(Jerusalem) Israel launched airstrikes in the central Gaza Strip on Saturday, claiming the strikes were aimed at thwarting attacks by Palestinian militants there. The incident further underscored the fragility of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
US President Trump stated the same day that he was closely monitoring compliance with the agreement between Israel and Hamas. He warned Hamas to return the remains of deceased hostages as soon as possible or face consequences.
The Israel Defense Forces announced on Saturday (October 25) that they had carried out a precision strike in Nuseirat, central Gaza, targeting a militant from the Islamic Jihad group who was preparing to launch a terrorist attack against Israeli forces.
Jehad is one of the main Palestinian factions and an ally of Hamas. Jihad denied orchestrating the attack, calling the Israeli army's accusations "total nonsense."
Witnesses reported that an Israeli drone strike hit a vehicle in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Local medical staff reported four people were injured; other sources reported one death.
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According to Reuters, witnesses reported that eastern Gaza City also came under Israeli tank fire that day.
Both Nusserat and Gaza City lie west of the "yellow line," the initial Israeli withdrawal point outlined in the ceasefire agreement, and are outside Israeli control. The Israeli military has stated that it will remain deployed in Gaza in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and take action to eliminate any imminent threats.
Before leaving Israel on Saturday, US Secretary of State Rubio said such incidents were common in the early stages of the ceasefire. "Every night brings new challenges in maintaining the agreement," he said. "We recognize that, but we also believe we have made tremendous progress over the past 12 or 13 days."
Earlier on Saturday, Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated that Israel's primary strategic objective in Gaza is to demilitarize the region by destroying Hamas tunnels and disarming Hamas. Currently, approximately 60% of Hamas tunnels remain.
Katz also stated, "The most urgent moral imperative is, of course, the return of all the hostages who have died. We will do everything in our power to accomplish this sacred and vital task."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that Netanyahu has authorized an Egyptian technical team to enter Gaza to assist in the search for hostage remains. AFP video showed an Egyptian convoy carrying heavy machinery entering Gaza on Sunday (26th). Israel believes the remains of 13 hostages remain in Gaza.
Trump posted on social media on Saturday that a firm peace has been achieved in the Middle East and that he believes it can be permanent. However, he also warned, "Hamas must begin returning the remains of the deceased hostages, including two American citizens, or other nations involved in this great peace process will take action."
Trump noted that some of the remains may be difficult to find, while others could be handed over by Hamas immediately but, for whatever reason, have not. "It may be related to their disarmament... Let's see what they do in the next 48 hours. I'm watching this very closely."
Trump stopped in Doha on his way to Asia that day and met with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Salman on Air Force One. Trump praised Qatar's role in Middle East peace and mentioned that an international force would soon be deployed to Gaza to help stabilize the situation. Qatar expressed its willingness to contribute troops.
Rubio said on Saturday that the United States is in consultation with Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey on the formation of this international force, and that Indonesia and Azerbaijan are also interested in joining. The United States may propose a UN resolution to support the international force to encourage the participation of more countries.
He also said that Gaza will not be permanently divided into two zones controlled by Israel and Hamas. "Ultimately, the purpose of the stabilization force is to move this (yellow) line, hopefully covering all of Gaza, which means that all of Gaza will be demilitarized... That is the long-term plan. Israel has made it clear that it has no intention of occupying Gaza."
