Gaza Herald – The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, issued a terse statement today affirming full compliance with the ceasefire and denying any knowledge of the reported clashes in Rafah. The brigade stressed that Rafah areas are designated “red zones” under Israeli control, and said its lines of communication with any fighters there have been cut since the renewed fighting in March.
Al-Qassam insisted it has no information on the fate of fighters allegedly based in those sectors, whether they were killed or remain alive, and reiterated that it has no involvement in any incidents claimed to have occurred in Rafah. The statement frames recent Israeli claims as part of a broader campaign of disinformation used to justify further assaults.
Israeli media had earlier reported an exchange of fire in southern Rafah and alleged two Israeli soldiers were killed, while the army said it struck in response to what it called hostile activity. Israeli forces also launched heavy raids on Rafah and Jabalia, which Palestinian sources say resulted in civilian martyrs and injuries.
Human rights monitors note that since the ceasefire and prisoner exchange took effect on October 10, 47 documented Israeli violations have been recorded, leaving 38 Palestinian martyrs and 143 wounded, evidence, critics say, that the truce is being repeatedly and dangerously undermined.
Local officials and humanitarian groups warned that continued Israeli breaches and raids risk reigniting broader violence across the Strip, and urged mediators to enforce the ceasefire terms immediately to protect civilians and prevent further bloodshed.
