Israel conducts airstrikes in Rafah despite ceasefire deal

The Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes on the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday, according to reports from local media. This military action comes despite a recently brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, immediately casting doubt on the durability of the truce.

Conflicting Narratives Emerge

Israeli media outlets provided the initial justification for the Rafah airstrikes. Public broadcaster KAN reported the strikes were a response to an exchange of fire with Hamas, while Channel 12 claimed they followed an attack on an Israeli military vehicle. However, these accounts were swiftly challenged by senior Hamas member Izzat al-Rishq. In a strongly worded statement, al-Rishq denied any violation by Hamas, asserting the group's commitment to the ceasefire. He accused Israel of "fabricating flimsy pretexts" to justify its ongoing operations in Gaza.

The Ceasefire Framework and Its Stakes

The fragile ceasefire and hostage swap deal was reached last week, based on a phased plan presented by US President Donald Trump. The initial phase of the agreement envisioned the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The broader, long-term plan includes the reconstruction of the war-torn Gaza Strip and the establishment of a new governing mechanism that would operate without Hamas.

The Toll of the Conflict

The latest violence in Rafah occurs against a backdrop of immense human cost. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the Israeli military offensive since October 2023 has resulted in more than 68,100 fatalities and 170,200 injuries. The airstrikes threaten to derail the diplomatic efforts aimed at ending a conflict that has caused widespread devastation and a severe humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.