Israel intensifies attacks on Gaza, keeps Rafah crossing closed amid ceasefire violations

Gaza City / Tel Aviv: The Israeli military has continued its deadly campaign in Gaza, with at least 47 reported ceasefire violations since the latest truce began earlier this month, according to Palestinian officials. These breaches have resulted in the deaths of 38 people and injuries to at least 143 others.

Despite ongoing calls for de-escalation, Israel has announced that the Rafah border crossing—the critical humanitarian lifeline between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed “until further notice.” The closure comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of failing to cooperate in the return of captives’ remains.

The statement follows the return of two more Israeli captives’ bodies by Hamas. However, Netanyahu’s government faces growing domestic pressure, with large-scale protests erupting in Tel Aviv. Demonstrators are demanding stronger efforts to bring back all Israeli captives and remains held in Gaza.

Hamas, meanwhile, has condemned Israel’s actions, accusing Netanyahu of using “flimsy pretexts to disrupt” the fragile ceasefire and delay ongoing negotiations.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israel’s war on Gaza, which began in October 2023, has so far claimed the lives of at least 68,116 Palestinians and wounded more than 170,200.

The continued violence casts further doubt on the durability of the ceasefire and deepens the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where access to essential aid remains severely restricted.