Blast in Gaza Injures Soldier as Israel Reports Hamas Ceasefire Violation

Israel Says Gaza Blast Violates Ceasefire as Tensions Rise in Rafah

An Israeli soldier was hurt on Wednesday after an explosive device went off in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Israel said the blast was a clear breach of the ceasefire that has been in place since Oct. 10. The army said the device detonated under a military vehicle during an operation. The incident took place as Hamas leaders met Turkish officials in Ankara to discuss the next phase of the truce.

According to AP, the ceasefire has held for weeks but has faced rising pressure. Talks on the next phase have slowed, and both sides accuse each other of breaking the deal.

Israel Gaza Ceasefire Tension Grows After Rafah Blast

Israel said the explosive was planted by militants and went off as troops dismantled what they called hostile sites. The soldier suffered light wounds and was taken to a hospital. Israel said the attack crossed a red line and warned it would take action. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the ceasefire was violated and that Israel would respond.

Hamas denied breaking the deal. A Hamas official said the blast likely came from old unexploded ordnance. He said the group told mediators about it. Reuters reported that past ceasefire violations have sparked Israeli strikes. In October, Israel said two soldiers were killed by Hamas fire, and its response killed more than 40 Palestinians, according to local health officials.

Hamas says Israel is breaking the deal by blocking aid and firing on civilians. Palestinian medical officials say over 370 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the truce began. Last week, five Palestinians, including a baby, were killed in northern Gaza after shots were fired across the ceasefire line, according to a local hospital.

Talks in Turkey Highlight Slow Progress Toward Next Truce Phase

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Hamas officials in Ankara to push the process forward. Turkey said it wants the deal to move into its second phase. That phase includes a stabilization force, a new governing team for Gaza, and more Israeli troop withdrawals. Hamas said it met its obligations but claimed Israeli actions were blocking progress.

The Hamas group said only part of the aid allowed in is humanitarian. They said about 60 percent is commercial goods. Turkish officials said they also spoke about tensions in the West Bank and the need for unity between Palestinian groups.

The family of the last remaining hostage in Gaza also raised pressure on leaders. The mother of Ran Gvili urged Israel and the United States to demand his remains before any new steps toward reconstruction. She said she will travel with Netanyahu to Washington to speak out.

The Israel Gaza ceasefire now faces its hardest test. The Rafah blast has added new strain at a critical moment. What comes next will shape the future of talks and stability in the region.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What caused the Rafah blast?

Israel said a device exploded under a military vehicle. Hamas said it was old unexploded ordnance. The exact cause is still disputed.

Q2: Did the blast break the ceasefire?

Israel said yes. Hamas said no. Mediators have not issued a final view.

Q3: What is the next phase of the ceasefire?

It includes a stabilization force, a technocratic Gaza authority, and troop withdrawals. It also involves disarming Hamas. Talks on this phase have slowed.

Q4: Why is aid still limited in Gaza?

Hamas says Israel blocks most aid. Israel says it screens shipments for security. Turkish officials say many trucks carry commercial goods, not aid.

Q5: Why is the last hostage case important?

The release of remains is part of phase one of the truce. The family says talks must not move forward until this step is fulfilled.

Trusted Sources: AP, Reuters