Tensions Rise as Israel and Hamas Clash in Rafah

Recent Developments

Israel's Actions: Israel has launched strikes in southern Gaza, accusing Hamas of breaking the ceasefire agreement.
IDF Report: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Hamas militants fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire at IDF troops working to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area.
IDF Response: In response, the IDF conducted strikes to neutralize the threat and destroy tunnel shafts and military structures used by Hamas.

Hamas' Claim: Hamas claims to still be committed to the ceasefire agreement.
Accusations: They accuse Israel of violating the deal and creating excuses to justify their actions.

Recent Signing: This exchange comes just five days after a US-brokered ceasefire agreement was signed by world leaders.
Agreement Terms: The agreement includes the release of hostages and prisoners from both sides.

Living Hostages: During the first phase of the ceasefire, all living hostages have been released.
Deceased Hostages: 12 out of 28 deceased hostages have been released.
Specific Releases: Israel's military confirmed that the remains of Ronen Engel, a 54-year-old photographer, and 30-year-old Thai farm worker Sonthaya Akrasri were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza.
Hamas' Accusation: Hamas has blamed Israel for making the returns difficult, as air strikes have destroyed many buildings, and Israel does not allow heavy machinery into the territory.

Palestinian Prisoners: Israel has freed 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,718 detainees from Gaza.
Bodies Handed Over: The bodies of 15 more Palestinians were handed over by Israel via the Red Cross to officials in Gaza, bringing the total number of bodies received to 150.

Armed Clashes: Despite the ceasefire, there have been armed clashes inside the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Military Confirmation: An Israeli military official confirmed that air strikes were carried out on Hamas fighters following rocket-propelled grenade attacks and sniper fire by Hamas inside the area controlled by Israel.

Hamas' Obligations: Under the terms of the ceasefire deal, Hamas is obliged to hand over its weapons and relinquish power, which it has yet to do.

Rival Gangs: Hamas accuses Israel of funding and arming rival gangs, saying that Israel is deliberately empowering these groups to challenge Hamas’s authority and create chaos.
Risk of Further Fighting: Without a strong international presence in Gaza, there is a real risk of further fighting between Palestinian factions.

Brokered by: The ceasefire deal, brokered by President Donald Trump, aims to end the two-year-old Gaza war.
Phase One Results: Phase one of the plan resulted in the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Withdrawal Plan: Another part of the plan involves Israeli troops withdrawing to a line that leaves them in control of about 53% of the Strip.

Aid Entry: In addition to the ceasefire, hundreds of lorries carrying humanitarian aid have started entering Gaza.
Famine Confirmation: A famine was confirmed by UN-backed experts in August.
Casualties: There were no immediate reports of casualties after the recent Israeli strikes in Rafah.