UPDATE: In a dramatic escalation in Gaza, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have confirmed the death of a Palestinian who opened fire on Israeli troops in a designated humanitarian zone. This incident marks a significant violation of the ceasefire agreement, as it unfolded on Saturday, October 14, 2023, amidst a separate military operation that successfully targeted 17 terrorists attempting to escape from Rafah’s tunnel network.
The IDF reported that the Palestinian attacker was shot dead after firing at Israeli positions, with no reported casualties among Israeli forces. Officials characterized this shooting as a blatant breach of the ceasefire, stating that Hamas has been exploiting the current truce to launch attacks. Since the ceasefire commenced on October 10, numerous attempts by militants to cross into Israeli territory have been noted.
In response to the gunfire, the IDF conducted retaliatory strikes on Hamas positions in Gaza. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, these operations resulted in the deaths of five senior terrorists. The statement asserted, “Israel has fully honoured the ceasefire; Hamas has not,” emphasizing that the group has continued to attack while executing Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Jerusalem is now urging international mediators to enforce Hamas’s compliance with President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for the ceasefire. This plan mandates the return of hostages and the complete demilitarization of Gaza. Israeli officials report that Hamas is still holding the remains of three individuals killed during assaults on October 7: Dror Or, a resident of Kibbutz Be’eri; Sgt. Maj. Ran Gvili of the Israel Police; and Thai agricultural worker Sudthisak Rinthalak.
Adding to the tense situation, the IDF has concluded a 24-hour manhunt in eastern Rafah, targeting a group of 17 terrorists attempting to escape through the tunnel system. The military confirmed that 11 of the suspects were killed during the operation, while six others were apprehended and are now in the custody of Shin Bet for interrogation.
A US official, speaking to Axios reporter Barak Ravid, reiterated Washington’s support for Israel’s right to respond decisively to any violations of the ceasefire. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, with potential implications for regional stability and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
