The Israeli Air Force launched targeted strikes in Rafah on Sunday, following heightened tensions in Gaza. According to reports from Israeli news agency TPS-IL and other outlets, the airstrikes came shortly after Hamas forces reportedly used an anti-tank weapon against an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) engineering vehicle in the area. This direct clash underscores the fragility of the ongoing ceasefire and the volatility of the region.

The strikes occurred just hours after the United States issued an urgent warning to ceasefire guarantor states. The U.S. State Department claimed it possessed "reliable intelligence" indicating that Hamas was preparing to violate the fragile agreement. Washington described such an act as a "direct and serious breach" that could further destabilize an already tense situation.

Hamas, however, swiftly rejected these accusations, calling the U.S. claims false and misleading. A spokesperson for the group dismissed Washington's statements, arguing that such warnings serve only to justify Israeli military operations in Gaza. The denial highlights the ongoing dispute between international narratives and local realities on the ground.

In Israel, the unfolding developments prompted immediate political and security responses. Defence Minister Israel Katz abruptly left a cabinet meeting to personally oversee the evolving situation, signaling the seriousness with which the government views the latest escalation. His departure was mirrored by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military secretary, who also exited the meeting to join security assessments.

Analysts suggest the strikes in Rafah reflect Israel's determination to respond quickly to perceived threats while maintaining a deterrent posture. The timing, immediately after U.S. warnings, adds weight to concerns that intelligence sharing is influencing rapid military decisions. This interplay between international diplomacy and ground-level conflict continues to complicate the path toward lasting stability.

As the ceasefire remains in jeopardy, civilians in Gaza and southern Israel once again face uncertainty. Each new strike, warning, or accusation deepens mistrust and reduces the chances of sustaining peace. The coming days will determine whether diplomatic interventions can hold or if the region slides back into a broader cycle of conflict.

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