Hamas says Israel’s Rafah attack breaches truce

Hamas has condemned an Israeli drone strike on the Gaza Strip, calling it a serious violation of the ceasefire agreement between the two sides.

The attack, which occurred in the Rafah city area, targeted police officers who were securing the delivery of humanitarian aid from the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing to the main road leading into southern Gaza, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

According to Gaza's Interior Ministry, at least two police officers were killed in the drone strike. Hamas described the attack as "treacherous," accusing Israel of not only violating the ceasefire but also blocking the entry of aid trucks and heavy machinery into the Gaza Strip.

The statement from Hamas also criticized Israel for its delay in initiating negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire, accusing the Israeli side of failing to demonstrate seriousness in adhering to the agreement.

Hamas further called on mediators to intervene and force Israel to halt its violations of the ceasefire agreement. The group emphasized the need for the immediate commencement of negotiations for the second phase of the truce.

In mid-January, Israel and Hamas, with mediation from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, reached a ceasefire agreement regarding the situation in Gaza, which took effect on January 19. The first phase of the ceasefire is set to last 42 days. During this period, Hamas is required to release at least 33 hostages, including the bodies of those who have died, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli custody.

However, on February 10, Hamas' military wing spokesman, Abu Obeida, announced the postponement of the release of a new group of hostages that were scheduled to return on February 15. The Palestinian group claims that Israel violated the terms of the agreement by delaying the return of displaced persons from southern Gaza to the northern regions, opening fire on Gaza residents, and failing to deliver the full amount of required humanitarian aid.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on February 11 that the Israeli military would resume operations in Gaza if Hamas did not meet the deadline for the hostages’ release. Following this, on February 13, Hamas affirmed that it would comply with the terms of the ceasefire after further consultations with the mediators. On February 15, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the handover of three hostages, including Russian citizen Alexander Trufanov, who were transferred to Israeli territory.

By Vafa Guliyeva