The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed “until further notice,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced, saying the crossing’s reopening depends on Hamas handing over the bodies of deceased hostages. The statement came as both Israel and Hamas continued to accuse each other of violating the fragile U.S.-mediated ceasefire.
Earlier, the Palestinian embassy in Egypt had declared that the Rafah crossing — Gaza’s main route in and out — would reopen for limited entry into the enclave. But Netanyahu’s remarks quickly dispelled those hopes, further complicating the already tense humanitarian situation.
The U.S. State Department said it had received “credible reports” suggesting Hamas was planning to violate the ceasefire. It warned that “measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire” should Hamas proceed.
Former President Donald Trump, who brokered the truce, stated that he would consider allowing Israel to resume military operations if Hamas failed to uphold its commitments.
Hamas responded, condemning Netanyahu’s decision as a “blatant violation” of the agreement and accusing Israel of undermining efforts to recover and return the bodies of hostages still trapped under rubble. The group added that keeping the Rafah crossing closed would delay the search for remains and the handover process.
Israel, however, announced the receipt of two additional bodies yesterday — bringing the total to 12 out of 28 hostages handed over under the U.S.-brokered agreement. The deal, reached last week, included the release of all 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas for two years, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees.
The war in Gaza has created a humanitarian catastrophe — millions displaced, hospitals overwhelmed, and famine confirmed by global hunger monitors. Despite international pressure, aid delivery remains far below what is needed. According to the UN World Food Programme, around 560 metric tons of food have entered Gaza daily since the truce — a figure still inadequate for survival needs.
Major obstacles still block U.S. President Trump’s 20-point peace plan, including the future of Gaza’s governance, Hamas disarmament, and the establishment of a Palestinian state. The fragile ceasefire hangs in the balance — as both sides struggle between mistrust, political pressure, and the human cost of prolonged war.
