Rafah [Gaza], October 19 (ANI): The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) carried out air strikes in the Rafah area of southern Gaza on Sunday after accusing 'terrorists' of targeting its troops in Rafah area, the military said in a post on X.

According to the IDF, '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.'

https://x.com/IDF/status/1979872480056504512

The military said it has responded by striking 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 statement added.

In response to the escalating situation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting with the Defence Minister and senior security officials following reports that Hamas had violated the ceasefire on Sunday.

Following the violation of the ceasefire by Hamas, Prime Minister Netanyahu held a consultation with the Defense Minister and the heads of the security establishment and directed that strong action be taken against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip.'

The announcement comes amid a tense situation on the ground. According to Palestinian officials, the Israeli army has reportedly carried out 47 violations of the ceasefire since it took effect in early October, resulting in 38 deaths and 143 injuries, reported Al Jazeera.

On October 10, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire in Gaza, pausing the two-year conflict. But with the hostage exchange concluded, the truce now faces potential challenges.

The broader conflict has had a devastating toll since October 7, 2023. Israel's military operations in Gaza have killed at least 68,116 people and wounded 170,200, while in Israel, 1,139 people were killed during the October 7 attacks, and over 200 were taken captive.

Against this backdrop, Netanyahu on Saturday ordered the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt to remain closed 'until further notice,' linking the decision to Hamas' handling of Israeli hostages' bodies.

The Rafah crossing, the only exit from Gaza not directly controlled by Israel, serves as a critical humanitarian and logistical lifeline for residents of the besieged enclave. Its periodic closures underscore the complex political and security conditions in the region.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, 'PM Netanyahu instructed that the Rafah border crossing will not open until further notice. Its opening will be under consideration in accordance with the manner in which Hamas implements its part in return for the deceased hostages and implementation of the agreed-upon framework.'

Earlier, the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo had announced that the Rafah crossing would reopen on Monday, October 20, after coordination with Egyptian authorities to allow Palestinian citizens residing in Egypt to return to the Gaza Strip. The embassy added that further logistical details regarding gathering points and departure times would be communicated directly to those affected.

Meanwhile, Hamas handed over two more captives' bodies to Israel. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that the coffins were transferred into Red Cross custody and are on their way to Israeli personnel in Gaza, adding that Hamas is required to return all remaining hostages under the agreement.

Amid the ongoing tensions, Hamas accused Netanyahu of using 'flimsy pretexts to disrupt' the ceasefire deal, while protesters in Tel Aviv rallied, demanding that the government secure the return of all remains of hostages from Gaza. (ANI)