Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that Israel would retaliate following an incident where a military officer was injured by an explosion in Gaza. Despite Hamas denying involvement and suggesting the explosive device may have been a remnant from past conflicts, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would respond accordingly.
Addressing the situation at a ceremony for air force pilots, Netanyahu highlighted the attack in Rafah, an area of Gaza under Israeli military presence. He expressed concerns over Hamas’ refusal to disarm as outlined in the October truce agreement.
The Israeli military confirmed that an explosive device detonated against a military vehicle in Rafah, resulting in minor injuries to one officer. Hamas claimed the incident occurred in an area under Israeli control and reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire established on October 10.
Meanwhile, an Israeli delegation, comprising representatives from the military, Shin Bet, and Mossad, met with officials in Cairo to discuss the repatriation of the last Israeli captive, police officer Ran Gvili, from Gaza. The initiative aligns with a 20-point plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, focusing on progressing towards lasting peace.
Netanyahu also addressed the broader regional security landscape, mentioning the need to address threats from Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthis in Yemen, and Iran. He emphasized Israel’s vigilance against evolving dangers while aiming to avoid conflicts.
Upcoming discussions between Netanyahu and Trump will center on advancing the next phase of the peace plan for Gaza. In parallel, Hamas engaged in talks with Turkey’s foreign minister in Ankara to address Israeli ceasefire violations hindering progress towards the plan’s implementation.