Overview

• Israel said Hamas fighters used an anti-tank missile and sniper fire against troops in Rafah, prompting air and artillery strikes that officials called a blatant violation of the ceasefire.
• Hamas denied involvement in any Rafah clashes and reiterated its commitment to the pause, as both sides traded accusations over breaches of the agreement.
• The U.S. State Department warned of credible reports of an imminent Hamas attack on Palestinian civilians in Gaza and said measures would be taken to protect people if it proceeds; Hamas rejected the claim as false.
• Israel confirmed the return and identification of two more hostage remains, including Israeli photojournalist Ronen Engel, while saying additional bodies promised under the deal are still outstanding.
• Israel said the Rafah crossing will stay closed until further notice and tied reopening to Hamas fulfilling ceasefire obligations, as humanitarian transfers and body exchanges continued under mediator oversight.