Gaza Airstrikes Kill 26 Amid Ceasefire Violations; Rafah Crossing Reopening Delayed

• Israeli airstrikes killed 26 people in Gaza, described by local health officials as the deadliest assault in weeks.
• Both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating the ceasefire agreement.
• Israel stated the airstrikes targeted Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad commanders, following a tunnel incident in Rafah.
• Hamas condemned the bombardment as a "flagrant violation" of the ceasefire.
• The violence occurred as the reopening of the Rafah border crossing, a key part of the ceasefire and US peace plan, was anticipated.

Why It Matters: Intensified Israeli airstrikes in Gaza kill 26, jeopardizing ceasefire and Rafah crossing reopening.