Overview

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered forceful action after Israel accused Hamas-linked fighters of attacking troops in Rafah, with the army later reporting two soldiers killed.
• Israeli airstrikes hit Rafah and sites across Gaza, including Deir al Balah, Nuseirat, Jabalia and Mawasi, with Palestinian health authorities reporting at least 44 deaths and more than 120 injuries.
• After the reprisals, the Israel Defense Forces announced it had re-applied the ceasefire and vowed to respond to any further violations, as humanitarian crossings were suspended or restricted.
• Hamas denied involvement in the Rafah skirmish and alleged multiple Israeli breaches of the truce, while the United States warned of credible reports that Hamas planned an imminent attack on civilians.
• The Red Cross received additional hostage remains for transfer to Israel, which identified Eliyahu Margalit, and Israel kept the Rafah crossing largely closed pending the return of remaining bodies.