Tel Aviv [Israel], October 19 (ANI): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting with the Defense Minister and senior security officials on Sunday following reports that Hamas had violated the ongoing ceasefire.
In a post on X, Netanyahu said, “Following the violation of the ceasefire by Hamas, Prime Minister Netanyahu held a consultation with the Defense Minister and the heads of the security establishment and directed that strong action be taken against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip.”
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions on the ground. According to Palestinian officials cited by Al Jazeera, the Israeli army has allegedly carried out 47 ceasefire violations since it took effect in early October, resulting in 38 deaths and 143 injuries.
The broader conflict has taken a devastating toll since October 2023. Israeli military operations in Gaza have reportedly killed at least 68,116 people and wounded 170,200, while in Israel, 1,139 people were killed during the October 7 attacks, and about 200 were taken captive.
On Saturday, Netanyahu ordered the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt to remain closed “until further notice,” linking the decision to Hamas’ handling of Israeli hostages’ bodies.
The Rafah crossing—the only exit from Gaza not directly controlled by Israel—serves as a vital humanitarian and logistical lifeline for residents of the besieged enclave. Its periodic closures highlight the complex political and security challenges in the region.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, “PM Netanyahu instructed that the Rafah border crossing will not open until further notice. Its opening will be under consideration in accordance with the manner in which Hamas implements its part in return for the deceased hostages and implementation of the agreed-upon framework.”
Meanwhile, Hamas handed over two more captives’ bodies to Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the coffins were transferred into Red Cross custody and are being delivered to Israeli personnel in Gaza. The IDF reiterated that Hamas is required to return all remaining hostages under the agreement.
Earlier, the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo announced that the Rafah crossing would reopen on Monday, October 20, after coordination with Egyptian authorities to allow Palestinian citizens residing in Egypt to return to Gaza. The embassy said additional logistical details regarding gathering points and departure times would be shared directly with affected individuals.
Amid ongoing tensions, Hamas accused Netanyahu of using “flimsy pretexts to disrupt” the ceasefire deal, while protesters in Tel Aviv rallied, demanding that the government secure the return of all hostages and remains from Gaza. (ANI)
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