Ceasefire deal suffers setback as Hamas ‘attacks Israeli forces’ in southern Gaza

 

Israel has accused Hamas of launching attacks on its troops in southern Gaza.

A statement by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said Hamas fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire at its troops in the Rafah area of southern Gaza.

“Earlier today, terrorists fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire toward IDF troops operating to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area, in southern Gaza, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement,” the statement reads.

“In response, the IDF has begun striking in the area to eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity.

“These terrorist actions constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, and the IDF will respond firmly.”

The renewed hostilities are a threat to the US-brokered ceasefire.

United States President Donald Trump had brokered a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel.

On October 9, Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire plan that will see the release of all hostages and a withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed line in Gaza.

The ceasefire was a significant step towards ending the two-year-long war.

Israel and Hamas later exchanged both living hostages and the bodies of the dead.

The renewed fighting is a new twist that could further extend the war.