CAIRO/JERUSALEM: An Israeli airstrike in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip, resulted in the deaths of two Palestinians on Saturday, according to medical sources. This incident occurred as mediators continued efforts to extend a fragile 42-day ceasefire brokered in January between Israel and Hamas.
The Israeli military stated that its aircraft targeted a drone that had crossed from Israel into southern Gaza, as well as “several suspects” who attempted to retrieve it. The military described the incident as a failed smuggling attempt.
This strike follows another Israeli drone attack on Friday, which killed two individuals in Gaza. The military claimed the Friday strike targeted a group of suspected militants who were allegedly planting an explosive device near Israeli troops in northern Gaza.
These recent attacks coincide with ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Cairo, where a Hamas delegation is meeting with Egyptian mediators. Qatar is also assisting in the talks, which aim to advance to the next phase of the ceasefire agreement, potentially paving the way for an end to the conflict.
### Ceasefire Talks and Hamas Statement
Hamas officials have expressed optimism about the progress of the talks, citing “positive indicators” regarding the potential start of negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire deal. However, they did not provide specific details.
In a statement, Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua said, “We affirm our readiness to engage in the second-phase negotiations in a way that meets the demands of our people. We call for intensified efforts to aid the Gaza Strip and lift the blockade on our suffering people.”
The ceasefire, which has been in place since January 19, has seen Hamas release 33 Israeli prisoners and five Thai nationals in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Israeli authorities estimate that fewer than half of the remaining 59 prisoners held by Hamas are still alive.
Lebanon Strike
Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported conducting an airstrike in southern Lebanon on Saturday, targeting a Hezbollah fighter allegedly involved in rebuilding infrastructure and directing activities for the group. The military stated that the strike was part of ongoing efforts to neutralize threats to Israel and prevent Hezbollah from regrouping.
Lebanon’s National News Agency confirmed that one person was killed and another wounded in an Israeli drone strike on a car in the village of Kherbet Selm. The Israeli military acknowledged carrying out “intelligence-based strikes” on Hezbollah military sites in southern Lebanon.
The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the complexities of the ceasefire and regional hostilities.
