JERUSALEM — An explosive device detonated in Rafah, Gaza, on Wednesday, wounding one Israeli soldier and prompting Israeli officials to accuse Hamas of violating the U.S.-brokered ceasefire that has largely held since Oct. 10.
The blast occurred as a Hamas delegation met Turkish officials in Ankara to discuss advancing to the ceasefire's second phase. While the truce has mostly remained in place, momentum toward the next stage has slowed amid mutual accusations of violations and disputes over aid access.
Incident In Rafah
Israel's military said the device exploded beneath a military vehicle while soldiers were "dismantling" militant infrastructure in Rafah. The soldier was lightly wounded and was receiving treatment in hospital, the military added.
Hamas senior official Mahmoud Mrdawi posted that the explosion was caused by unexploded ordnance and said the group had informed mediators. Hamas later issued a statement denying responsibility and described the device as a "war remnant" left in an area under Israeli control.
Israel's military rejected Hamas's explanation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a violation of the ceasefire and warned Israel would "respond accordingly." Israel has previously launched strikes in Gaza in response to alleged ceasefire breaches, including a series of strikes on Oct. 19 after Israeli forces said two soldiers were killed by Hamas fire.
Ceasefire Progress And Remaining Challenges
Negotiators are preparing for a second phase of the truce that faces major obstacles: the deployment of an international stabilization force, creation of a technocratic administration for Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas and further Israeli troop withdrawals. Progress on these elements has been slow and politically fraught.
All but one of the 251 people taken hostage in the Oct. 7, 2023 assault that precipitated the war have been returned — alive or deceased — in exchange arrangements involving Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The mother of the remaining hostage, whose remains are believed to be in Gaza, has insisted that her son's body be returned before negotiators advance to the second phase.
Diplomacy In Ankara And Cairo
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Haya in Ankara to discuss the next stage of the truce, according to Turkish officials. Fidan reiterated Turkey's commitment to defending Palestinian rights and outlined ongoing efforts to address shelter and other humanitarian needs in Gaza.
Hamas representatives told Turkish officials they had met the ceasefire's conditions but said continued Israeli attacks and restrictions on aid were blocking progress. The delegation also claimed that roughly 60% of trucks allowed into Gaza were carrying commercial goods rather than humanitarian supplies, a claim Turkish officials said they discussed during the talks.
Separately, Gal Hirsch, Israel's coordinator for hostages and missing persons, met in Cairo with senior mediators to press for the return of the remains of the final hostage, Ran Gvili, Netanyahu's office said.
Casualty Reporting And Humanitarian Concerns
Gaza's Health Ministry, which operates under the Hamas-led administration, reported that over 400 Palestinians have died from Israeli fire since the truce began. The ministry does not distinguish between militants and civilians in its tally. While the ministry is staffed by medical professionals and maintains detailed records that are broadly used by international observers, its figures are reported with the caveat that they come from a Hamas-run authority.
Hamas accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire by limiting aid access and continuing strikes that hit civilians. Israel denies these claims and maintains its security actions are targeted at militant infrastructure.
Family Appeal: The mother of 24-year-old police officer Ran Gvili, believed to be the last person taken in the Oct. 7 attack whose remains remain in Gaza, said she will travel with Prime Minister Netanyahu to the United States and urged leaders not to advance to the ceasefire's second phase until her son's remains are returned.
Negotiations over the next phase of the truce are likely to remain delicate as mediators, Israel, Hamas and regional partners weigh security demands, humanitarian needs and political constraints.
Find more coverage on this developing story at AP News and other major outlets.
