Three Israeli soldiers have been killed in a Hamas rocket attack near the Kerem Shalom crossing, a vital aid route into Gaza, prompting Israel to close the crossing. Subsequent Israeli strikes in Rafah reportedly resulted in at least 12 casualties. Talks for a ceasefire and hostage release have stalled, with both sides unwilling to compromise on key demands. Hamas denies using civilians as shields, but Israel accuses them of doing so.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported 10 rockets fired from near the Rafah crossing, about 2.2 miles from Kerem Shalom. Hamas claimed responsibility, targeting an Israeli army base. Israel condemned the launches as exploiting civilian areas.
In response, Israel struck the launcher and a nearby military structure. These strikes, occurring amid ceasefire talks in Cairo, resulted in casualties. The proposal involves a 40-day ceasefire for hostage release, but Hamas insists on a permanent solution, rejected by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The conflict, sparked by Hamas incursions into Israel, has led to significant casualties on both sides. Netanyahu faces pressure to escalate military action in Rafah, where many Gazans have sought refuge.
