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IDF Says Rafah Firefight Killed Six Militants, Straining Gaza Ceasefire

Washington plans to unveil Phase 2 with a Palestinian civilian committee despite calls in Israel to postpone.

Overview

  • The IDF called the Rafah clash a blatant breach of the U.S.-brokered truce and said forces used tanks and airstrikes after coming under fire.
  • Israeli troops reported locating rocket launchers in northern and southern Gaza, highlighting continued security risks during the pause.
  • U.S. officials, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, expect President Trump to announce Phase 2 featuring a 15-member Palestinian civilian committee and a leading role for Nickolay Mladenov.
  • The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold off on Phase 2 until Hamas returns the body of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili.
  • Hamas leaders have rejected disarmament demands, and U.S. officials characterize recent violations as sporadic while saying the ceasefire is largely holding.