Overview
- Israel’s military said an explosive struck a vehicle during operations in Rafah on December 24, lightly injuring one soldier.
- The prime minister’s office accused Hamas of breaching the truce and signaled readiness to retaliate, while Hamas denied involvement and said Palestinians were not active in the area.
- A ceasefire that took effect on October 10 has not halted violence, with Gaza health authorities reporting more than 350 deaths since the truce and over 70,000 killed since October 2023.
- U.S. efforts to advance a second-stage framework envision Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, and an international stabilization force, with progress complicated by mixed Israeli signals including a reported remark by Defense Minister Yoav Katz that was later retracted.
- Winter storms have deepened Gaza’s humanitarian crisis as flooded and damaged tents expose displaced families to severe conditions, prompting public appeals for aid such as a standing demonstration in Osaka.