Bloodiest day in Gaza after ‘agreement’: Israel announces ceasefire reinstated
Israel accuses Hamas of breaking ceasefire
The Israeli army launched an airstrike in southern Gaza on Sunday, October 19, accusing Hamas of breaking the ceasefire. Israeli officials announced that aid flow to Gaza was also halted until the next announcement. The attacks stopped, and it was reported that ceasefire conditions were restored.
At least 44 Palestinians killed
It was announced that at least 44 Palestinians were killed during the day-long attacks. Two Israeli soldiers were also reported killed at the Rafah Border Crossing.
Israel’s response to Hamas
According to the Israeli army, infrastructure belonging to Hamas in the southern Gaza region was being targeted in accordance with the ceasefire agreement. It was claimed that Hamas fired anti-tank missiles and weapons at military units.
Israel’s military operation
Following this, the Israeli army began attacking the region to “eliminate tunnels and military structures used for terrorist activities.” Hamas, on the other hand, stated that they were not aware of any incidents or clashes in Rafah and could not communicate with their militants.
Reinstatement of ceasefire
Later in the day, the Israeli army announced that the ceasefire was being reinstated. The Rafah Border Crossing will remain closed to human traffic until the next announcement. Aid trucks formed a queue on the morning of October 20. According to Israeli officials, aid is entering through the Kerem Shalom Border Crossing east of Rafah.
US pressure for ceasefire agreement
BBC’s senior security correspondent Frank Gardner reported that US pressure was needed to revive the ceasefire agreement. It was reported that Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner traveled to Israel. Despite the clashes in Rafah over the weekend, US President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire was still in effect.
Trump denied Hamas leadership’s involvement in any alleged violations and blamed “some rebels” internally. He added, “But in either case, the situation will be dealt with firmly but correctly.”
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Source: Bbc
Original URL: https://www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/cwy1p57kw74o
