Israeli Officials Criticize Both Sides for Violating Ceasefire Agreement Amid Gaza Tensions

Officials from the Israeli Peace Council criticized both Israel and Hamas for failing to uphold the 20-point ceasefire agreement. They noted that the recent wave of kite launches from Gaza into Israeli border communities is being addressed through a mechanism led by the U.S. military. However, they warned that the Israeli Defense Forces' recent operations are tactical and lack strategic security impact, potentially causing long-term harm by perpetuating Hamas's control rather than dismantling it, according to a report by Ynet.

Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters, including residents from the Gaza border area and activists from the "Tzav 9" and "Otef Israel" movements, gathered near the Kerem Shalom crossing and close to the U.S. base in southern Gaza. They strongly opposed the entry of foreign forces into Gaza before Hamas is fully disarmed and attempted to block aid trucks from crossing. Reut Ben Haim of "Tzav 9" argued that foreign troops would not protect local residents but would restrict IDF operations and rebuild Gaza while Hamas remains in power.

Danny Rahamim, spokesperson for Kibbutz Nahal Oz, emphasized that following the October 7 attacks, Hamas must no longer govern Gaza and that only Israeli security forces should protect the population. Yishai Sapaz, a resident of Moshav Yated, called on the Israeli cabinet to cancel approval for foreign armies to enter Gaza for reconstruction efforts.