Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem condemned the Israeli occupation as it continues to brazenly violate the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, citing civilian casualties in al-Shujaiya and Rafah, in the north and south of the Strip. Meanwhile, Qassem emphasized, the al-Qassam Brigades continues to implement the terms of the ceasefire regarding the handover of Israeli soldiers’ bodies.

“The occupation’s actions are a deliberate breach" of the deal, Qassem said, referring to the ceasefire that entered into effect five days ago.

Rafah border crossing yet to open

Meanwhile, the Israeli security establishment clarified that, contrary to circulating reports, the Rafah Crossing would not open on Wednesday and that preparations were underway to allow the exit and entry of Palestinian Gaza residents only. Humanitarian aid continues to allegedly flow into Gaza, with at least 600 trucks entering through the Israeli-controlled Karem Abu Salem Crossing and other inspection points.

Additionally, the Palestinian Authority (PA) announced on Wednesday its readiness to assume full responsibility for operating and managing the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.

Mohammad Shtayyeh, the special envoy of PA President Mahmoud Abbas, stated, “We are now ready to resume operations, and we have informed all relevant parties of our willingness to take charge of the Rafah crossing.”

Read more: Israeli regime cuts Gaza aid to 300 trucks, blocks fuel and gas

'Israel' violates ratified Gaza ceasefire

The Israeli occupation continues to violate the ceasefire in Gaza, carrying out various attacks today that have resulted in casualties.

Two Palestinians were killed as a result of Israeli shelling of the al-Shujaiya neighborhood, east of Gaza City, Al Mayadeen's correspondent in the Gaza Strip reported.

Our correspondent added that the Israeli occupation army detained 15 citizens northeast of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, the area northwest of Rafah also witnessed gunfire from Israeli vehicles on Wednesday morning.

Just yesterday, the Israeli occupation killed at least seven Palestinians and injured several others, despite the Israeli government’s ratification of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The agreement, which came into effect late last Thursday, stipulates “an immediate and complete cessation of fighting,” according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority (KAN).

Under the first phase of the agreement, Palestinian Resistance factions in Gaza handed over 20 live Israeli captives to teams from the International Committee of the Red Cross on Monday morning. In accordance with the agreement, "Israel" released 2,000 Palestinian detainees the following day. Hamas also announced the handover of the bodies of four Israeli captives, with four more expected to be returned in the coming hours, according to diplomatic sources.

Read more: Tied and beaten: Freed Gaza detainees say abuse ended as it began