Israel assassinates Hamas leader, truce on verge of collapse

Media outlets reported the assassination of Yahya al-Mabhouh, commander of the elite company in the Northern Gaza Brigade, today. This came after the Israeli army launched air and artillery strikes in response to what it described as a "ceasefire violation" by Hamas in Rafah.

This came after the Israeli army confirmed airstrikes on the city of Rafah in response to what it described as "attacks by Palestinian fighters" using anti-tank missiles targeting Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in the Rafah area.

The statement noted that the Israeli army carried out airstrikes and artillery shelling in response to sources violating the ceasefire agreement.

Palestinian media reported that at least five people were killed and others wounded as a result of Israeli air and artillery strikes on a café west of Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip.

Hamas denied violating the ceasefire. Azq al-Rishq, a member of the movement's political bureau, said that Israel continues to violate the agreement and fabricate pretexts "to justify its crimes."

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that there is a possibility that attacks on the Gaza Strip will expand after the breach in Rafah.

About a week ago, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, in addition to a prisoner exchange and the return of the remains of Israeli hostages killed during the war on the Strip.

ANHA