Hamas denies attacking Israeli soldiers in Gaza

The Palestinian group Hamas has denied taking part in a shooting attack on Israeli forces in Rafah on Tuesday, accusing Israel of violating the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza.

In a statement, Hamas said it remains committed to the peace deal signed in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh under US mediation.

“The criminal shelling carried out by the Israeli army on parts of the Gaza Strip is a clear violation of the ceasefire,” the group said.

Israel responded on Tuesday evening with air and artillery strikes across Gaza, following orders from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli officials claimed the strikes were in response to sniper and anti-tank fire from Hamas in Rafah.

Hamas described the latest Israeli strikes as “part of a series of violations” that have caused casualties and led to the ongoing closure of the Rafah crossing. The group accused Israel of trying to undermine the ceasefire and urged international mediators to act quickly.

It called on them to pressure Israel “to stop its attacks on civilians and respect the ceasefire agreement.”

The ceasefire, which began on October 10 under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, as well as a plan to rebuild Gaza and establish a new governing body without Hamas.