Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation after a military officer was injured by an explosion in Gaza, with Hamas denying involvement and suggesting the device was a remnant from past conflicts. Speaking at an air force pilots’ graduation ceremony, Netanyahu referenced the incident in Rafah, an area still under Israeli control, stating that Hamas had shown no intention of disarming as agreed upon in the October ceasefire.
The Israeli military reported that an explosive device targeted a military vehicle in Rafah, resulting in minor injuries to one officer. Hamas claimed the incident occurred in an area fully controlled by the Israeli military and highlighted their commitment to the ceasefire, warning about the presence of explosives left over from previous conflicts.
In a separate development, an Israeli delegation engaged in discussions in Cairo regarding the repatriation of the remains of the last Israeli hostage, Ran Gvili, from Gaza. The delegation included representatives from the Israeli military, Shin Bet, and Mossad.
President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan, initiated in September, outlines steps towards peace, with only the initial phase, including a ceasefire and prisoner releases, currently implemented. Trump’s plan envisions Hamas disarming and relinquishing governance in Gaza, a condition Hamas rejects until a Palestinian state is established.
Despite a decrease in violence following the ceasefire, sporadic violations persist, with both sides accusing each other. Netanyahu criticized Hamas for openly refusing to disarm, contrary to Trump’s plan. He also addressed threats posed by Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, and Iran itself, emphasizing Israel’s vigilance against emerging dangers.
Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump to discuss the next phase of the Gaza plan. Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation led by negotiator Khalil al-Hayya met with Turkey’s foreign minister in Ankara, expressing concerns over Israeli violations hindering progress towards the ceasefire deal’s next stage.