Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation Wednesday after an explosive device injured a military officer in Gaza, while Hamas denied responsibility and reaffirmed its commitment to the October 10 ceasefire. The incident in Rafah – a Gaza area still under Israeli control – has intensified scrutiny of the fragile peace process as international mediators work to advance negotiations.
Conflicting Claims Emerge
Netanyahu accused Hamas of violating the U.S.-brokered truce during a speech at an Air Force ceremony, stating: "Israel will respond accordingly." The Israeli military reported the blast occurred near a military vehicle in a zone under its full security control. Hamas countered that unexploded ordnance from previous conflicts caused the incident, emphasizing its compliance with ceasefire terms.
Multilateral Mediation Efforts
As tensions simmer, diplomatic activity intensified this week. An Israeli delegation met mediators in Cairo Wednesday to discuss hostage repatriation and potential international peacekeeping forces. Simultaneously, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted Hamas officials in Ankara, pledging continued support for Palestinian humanitarian needs while urging progress on the U.S.-backed peace plan.
Path Forward for Peace Plan
The proposed 20-point roadmap – which saw initial success with hostage exchanges and partial Israeli withdrawals this year – faces critical tests. Mediators aim to implement Phase Two in January 2026, requiring full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for Hamas disarmament. However, Gaza health authorities report over 400 conflict-related Palestinian fatalities since the truce began, underscoring persistent instability.
With Netanyahu scheduled to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump next week to discuss the plan's next phase, regional stakeholders await signals about whether the ceasefire can evolve into lasting peace.
