Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Hamas had violated the Gaza ceasefire by refusing to disarm, warning that Israel would respond after an Israeli military officer was wounded in an explosion in southern Gaza.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony for Israeli Air Force pilots, Netanyahu referred to an attack in the Rafah area, where Israeli forces continue to operate. He said Hamas had made clear it did not intend to disarm, a requirement outlined in the October truce agreement.
“Israel will respond accordingly,” Netanyahu said.
Earlier, the Israeli military said an explosive device detonated near a military vehicle in Rafah, lightly injuring one officer. Hamas denied responsibility, saying the blast was caused by unexploded Israeli munitions left behind in the area. Hamas official Mahmoud Merdawi said the group had informed mediators of its position.
Later on Wednesday, Netanyahu’s office said an Israeli delegation met with officials from mediating countries in Cairo to discuss efforts to recover the remains of the last Israeli hostage in Gaza, police officer Ran Gvili. The delegation included representatives from the Israeli military, the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency, and the Mossad.
The developments come amid the partial implementation of a 20-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump in September. The plan calls for an initial truce followed by steps toward a broader settlement. So far, only the first phase has taken effect, including a ceasefire, the release of hostages and prisoners, and a partial Israeli withdrawal.
The plan ultimately requires Hamas to disarm and relinquish any governing role in Gaza, while Israel would withdraw fully. Hamas has said it would only give up its weapons after the establishment of a Palestinian state, a position Israel rejects.
Although large-scale fighting has eased since the ceasefire began on October 10, violence has continued. Gaza’s health ministry says more than 400 people have been killed in the territory since the truce took effect, while Israel says three of its soldiers have been killed in militant attacks.
Netanyahu also warned that Hezbollah in Lebanon had not disarmed despite a US-brokered truce following Israeli strikes last year. He added that Israel remained alert to threats from Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen and from Iran itself.
“We do not seek confrontations, but our eyes are open to every possible danger,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump next week, with discussions expected to focus on the next phase of the Gaza plan.
Hamas said separately that a delegation led by chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya had met Turkey’s foreign minister in Ankara. Al-Hayya accused Israel of continuing ceasefire violations aimed at blocking progress toward the next stage of the agreement.
