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Israel Strikes Gaza After Rafah Attacks Kill Two Soldiers, Testing U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire

U.S. mediation intensifies after Israel links aid access to the return of all hostage remains.

Overview

  • Israel said militants fired an RPG and sniper fire at troops in Rafah, killing two soldiers, and the army answered with air and artillery strikes.
  • Gaza health officials reported at least 36 Palestinians killed in the strikes, while the IDF said it was re‑enforcing the truce and would answer any breaches.
  • Humanitarian shipments were paused and the Rafah crossing stayed shut, with an Israeli source later saying deliveries would resume Monday following U.S. pressure.
  • Hamas denied involvement in the Rafah incidents and asserted it remains committed to the ceasefire, which both sides accuse the other of violating.
  • The U.S. State Department cited credible reports of a planned Hamas breach and is sending senior envoys as Israel conditions reopening Rafah on the return of all deceased hostages, having identified two more bodies.