JERUSALEM (AP) — An explosive device went off in the city. Gaza on Wednesday, wounding one Israeli soldier and prompting Israel to accuse Hamas of violating a U.S.-backed ceasefire. It was the latest incident to threaten the fragile truce that has held since Oct. 10, with each side blaming the other for violations.
The explosion occurred during a meeting between Hamas and Turkish officials in Ankara to discuss the second phase of the ceasefire. Although the agreement is largely being respected, progress has slowed.
All but one of the 251 hostages those captured during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that triggered the war were released, alive or deadin exchange for Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The mother of the latest hostage, whose remains are still in Gaza, called for them to return before negotiators move to a second phase of the ceasefire.
At this stage there are even more serious problems: the deployment of the international stabilization force, Gaza's technocratic governing body, the disarmament of Hamas and the further withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory.
Israel promises to 'respond accordingly'
The Israeli military said the explosive device detonated under a military vehicle as soldiers were “dismantling” militant infrastructure in the southern city of Rafah. The slightly wounded soldier was taken to hospital, the military said.
Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mrdawi said on social media that the explosion was caused by unexploded ordnance and the group had informed mediators.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement called the incident a violation of the ceasefire and said Israel would “respond accordingly.”
Israel has previously carried out strikes on the Gaza Strip in response to alleged ceasefire violations. On October 19, Israel said Hamas fire had killed two soldiers and responded with a series of strikes that killed more than 40 Palestinians, according to local health officials.
Hamas accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire by not allowing enough assistance on site and continue to target civilians. Palestinian health officials say more than 370 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the truce.
Israeli troops fired at the ceasefire line in the northern Gaza Strip on Friday, killing at least five Palestinians, including a child, according to a local hospital where the wounded were admitted.
Turkish officials meet with Hamas
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya to discuss the second phase of the ceasefire, ministry officials said.
Fidan reaffirmed Turkey's efforts to protect Palestinian rights and outlined ongoing efforts to meet housing and other humanitarian needs in the Gaza Strip, officials said.
The Hamas delegation said they had met the terms of the ceasefire, but continued Israeli attacks were blocking progress towards the next stage. They also claimed that 60% of the trucks allowed into Gaza were carrying commercial goods rather than aid.
The meeting also discussed efforts at reconciliation between Palestinian factions and the situation in Israeli-occupied territory, officials said. West Bankstressing that Israel's actions there were “unacceptable.”
Family of last Gaza hostage demands his return
Ran Gwili's mother said she would join Netanyahu on his upcoming trip to the United States and called on him and US President Donald Trump not to move to the next stage of the ceasefire until her son's remains, a condition of the first stage, are returned.
“I will not allow a situation where towers are built and Gaza is being reconstructed while my Ran is left in the field,” Talik Gwili said. “I'm going to the United States to remind everyone that Ran is not a number. He is an Israeli hero.”
The 24-year-old policeman was killed during a battle with Hamas militants who attacked the kibbutz on October 7, 2023.
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For more information about AP's reporting on Israel and Hamas, visit the AP website. https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.
Julia Frankel, Associated Press
