Ceasefire threatened as armed groups clash with Hamas forces
Since the ceasefire took effect, Hamas security forces have started reasserting control over significant portions of Gaza, confronting Israel-backed armed groups which have been deployed in the eastern parts of Gaza City and also in Rafah.
These places have been strongholds for these armed groups, which have been accused of hijacking aid trucks and undermining the fragile security situation in the Strip.
What we know in the past hour is that security forces clashed with these groups in Rafah city, which is under Israeli control. The Israeli army intervened and tried to provide fire cover for these groups to ensure their withdrawal from the area without being killed or arrested by local security forces.
For many Palestinians, this might affect the sustainability of the ceasefire.
Ben-Gvir urges Netanyahu to resume attacks on Gaza
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is calling on Netanyahu to return to attacks on Gaza. He is part of a broad but fragile right-wing coalition holding Netanyahu’s government together.
In a post on X, Ben-Gvir said he wanted the Israeli army to “fully resume combat in the Gaza Strip with maximum force”.
His statement comes after Israeli media said several air raids were carried out across Gaza this morning.
Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister posted: “War!”
More Israeli ministers suggest return to war on Gaza
Following the Israeli air attacks on Gaza today, more ministers have made remarks which cast doubt on the commitment of the Israeli government to the US-brokered ceasefire deal.
Amichai Chikli, an outspoken minister with the diaspora portfolio, said: “As long as Hamas exists, there will be war.”
Avi Dichter, another member of Netanyahu’s cabinet, described the situation as “difficult and complex”, accusing Hamas of violating the ceasefire on the assumption that “Israel will not resume fighting,” Israel’s public broadcaster reported.
He added that “the moment all the living hostages are in our hands, the conditions have changed. Israel will not give up on disarming Hamas.”
Israeli army confirms Gaza strikes
The Israeli army says it has carried out air strikes in Rafah, blaming Hamas for targeting its soldiers. The army statement said Palestinian fighters fired antitank missiles and guns in the direction of its soldiers. The Israeli army then responded with air raids.
Earlier today, Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum reported from Gaza that Hamas had clashed with Israel-backed armed groups in Gaza, adding that fighting between Palestinians and the Israeli forces started due to that.
Netanyahu has also released a statement saying the military action was taken after he consulted senior defence officials.
Israeli army ‘considers alternatives’ to Hamas: Report
An Israeli military spokesperson says there is “an idea” to build alternatives to Hamas, but did not elaborate.
The response came after the Reuters news agency asked whether the army is backing armed groups in Gaza.
The comments also come during a crackdown by Hamas on rival groups in Gaza, which it says pose a threat to security in the Palestinian territory.
