Israel and Hamas have exchanged accusations of violating the ceasefire agreement, with tensions escalating over the return of deceased hostages and the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The ceasefire, signed last week, raised hopes for a surge in aid after two years of war, but most restrictions remain in place, severely limiting the supply of essential goods.
Israeli officials announced on Thursday that the Rafah crossing with Egypt will remain closed to individuals until at least Sunday, and may not open to humanitarian convoys at all. Aid agencies stress that reopening Rafah, controlled by Israel since May, is critical for delivering sufficient assistance. The World Health Organization's regional director, Hanan Balkhy, called for more fuel, food, medical equipment, and medics, echoing international demands for a massive increase in aid.
Israel accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire by failing to return the remains of all deceased hostages. On Monday, Hamas returned the last 20 surviving hostages but handed over only nine of 28 deceased captives, citing the need for specialist recovery equipment to retrieve the rest from Gaza's ruins. US advisers and the Red Cross noted significant practical difficulties in recovering remains amid the devastation caused by Israel's offensive.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that Israel is determined to secure the return of all hostage remains, adding that the fight 'is not over yet.' Speaking at a ceremony for fallen soldiers, he vowed to achieve all war aims, warning that enemies 'will pay a heavy price.' A senior Hamas official accused Israel of breaking the ceasefire by killing at least 24 people since Friday, handing a list of incidents to mediators. The Israeli military did not immediately respond but has previously said troops opened fire to remove threats from those approaching positions.
Regional diplomats and US officials downplayed the accusations, emphasising that both sides remain committed to the ceasefire. Pope Leo XIV denounced the use of hunger as a weapon of war, while aid workers described Israel's restrictions as 'collective punishment.' Balkhy warned that infectious diseases are 'spiralling out of control' in Gaza, with only 13 of 36 hospitals partially functioning. A Cogat spokesperson suggested Rafah will remain closed to aid, stating that humanitarian aid will not pass through that crossing, though it continues via other routes.
UN officials reported that delays have allowed them to clear 200,000 metric tons of aid for entry once crossings reopen, awaiting the green light to proceed.
