(JTA) — Hamas and Israel engaged in deadly clashes in Rafah on Sunday amidst ongoing negotiations for a potential ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages.
A rocket attack launched by Hamas from Rafah resulted in the death of three Israeli soldiers at the Kerem Shalom border crossing. In response, Israel closed the crossing and carried out airstrikes in Rafah, resulting in 16 casualties according to local reports.
Despite Israel’s intentions to invade Rafah due to the presence of Hamas forces, international opposition has prevented such a move as the city shelters over a million Palestinians. The lack of a credible evacuation plan for civilians has further complicated the situation.
As Israel marked Yom HaShoah, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the military campaign against Israel’s adversaries amid concerns of potential arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court.
Protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem demanded the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, with some invoking the significance of Yom HaShoah in their pleas.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a possible ceasefire and hostage exchange are ongoing, with Hamas rejecting previous truce offers from Israel. The looming threat of a Rafah invasion persists if a deal is not reached within a week.
Israeli officials remain skeptical about the prospects of a truce, with indications pointing towards a potential military operation in Rafah in the near future.