Blast in Gaza injures Israeli soldier amid ceasefire tensions
Agencies :
An explosion in Gaza on Wednesday injured an Israeli soldier, prompting Israel to accuse Hamas of violating the US-brokered ceasefire and raising fresh concerns over the fragile truce in place since Oct 10.
Israel’s military said the blast went off beneath a military vehicle as troops were dismantling militant infrastructure in the southern city of Rafah. The soldier sustained light injuries and was taken to hospital.
Hamas rejected responsibility, saying the explosion was caused by unexploded ordnance left behind from earlier fighting and that mediators had been informed. Israel’s military dismissed the claim.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a ceasefire breach and said Israel would respond.
The incident occurred as Hamas leaders met Turkish officials in Ankara to discuss moving to the second phase of the ceasefire, which has slowed despite largely holding.
The next stage is expected to tackle sensitive issues, including further Israeli troop withdrawals, the future governance of Gaza, the deployment of an international stabilization force and the disarmament of Hamas.
Since the truce began, all but one of the hostages taken in the Hamas-led Oct 7, 2023 attack have been released, alive or dead, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The family of the last hostage whose remains are still in Gaza urged that they be returned before talks advance.
Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of ceasefire violations. Israel has previously carried out strikes following alleged attacks, while Hamas says Israel has restricted aid flows and continued strikes. Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 400 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the truce began.
Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Haya, reaffirming Ankara’s support for Palestinian rights and humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Hamas officials said Israel’s actions were obstructing progress toward the next phase of the agreement.
On the hostage issue, Israeli officials said talks were continuing with mediators in Cairo to secure the return of the remaining remains, as pressure mounts from the family and the public to resolve the issue before the ceasefire moves forward.