Israel announced on Thursday its preparations for the reopening of the Rafah crossing in Gaza to facilitate the movement of Palestinians, but did not specify a completion date amid ongoing disputes with Hamas over breaches of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement.
The conflict over the repatriation of hostages’ bodies held by Hamas in Gaza remains a key potential threat to the ceasefire, along with unresolved issues such as the disarmament of militants and the governance of Gaza’s future.
Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian reiterated on Thursday the country’s commitment to the ceasefire deal and accused Hamas of failing to return the bodies of 19 deceased hostages. Hamas has returned 10 bodies, claiming it could not recover more, while Israel disputes the identity of one of the remains.
The armed faction of Hamas stated that the handover of additional bodies in Gaza, a region devastated by the conflict, would necessitate the entry of heavy machinery and excavation equipment into the Israeli-blockaded enclave.
A senior Hamas official accused Israel of violating the ceasefire by allegedly killing 24 individuals in shootings since Friday. The official claimed that a list of these violations had been presented to mediators, accusing Israel of undermining the agreement.
Israel has outlined the next phase of the peace plan, devised by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which entails Hamas surrendering its weapons and authority, a demand Hamas has rejected. Instead, Hamas has intensified its security measures in areas vacated by Israeli forces, exhibiting its control through public executions and confrontations with local armed groups.
Trump warned Hamas in a social media post that continued violence in Gaza would provoke a harsh response from Israel. Additionally, 20 living hostages were released on Monday in exchange for numerous Palestinians detained in Israel.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that Israel had released 30 bodies of Palestinians killed during the conflict, bringing the total number of returned bodies since Monday to 120. However, broader aspects of Trump’s peace plan, including the establishment of an international “stabilization force” for Gaza and efforts toward creating a Palestinian state, face significant challenges and opposition from Israel.
The Palestinian Prime Minister expressed the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to collaborating with international entities to address Gaza’s security, logistical, financial, and governance challenges.
Israel’s military aid agency COGAT disclosed that coordination with Egypt was underway to determine the reopening of the Rafah crossing for the movement of people after necessary preparations. COGAT clarified that humanitarian goods destined for Gaza would pass through the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing following security inspections, as the truce deal did not mandate the opening of Rafah for aid shipments.
Amid famine conditions in parts of Gaza, UN officials stressed the urgent need for increased aid deliveries to alleviate the crisis. UNICEF reported on its recent delivery of essential supplies to Gaza, including family tents, winter clothing, sanitary items, and baby food.
Hamas officials highlighted the inadequacy of aid reaching Gaza post-conflict, emphasizing the urgent requirement for sustained inflows of aid, fuel, medical supplies, and relief items to address the region’s pressing needs.
Significant portions of Gaza have been decimated by Israeli attacks, resulting in extensive casualties and damage. The conflict, triggered by Hamas’ assault on southern Israel in 2023, has led to a devastating toll on both sides.