Fighting Intensifies as Gaza Cease-Fire Collapses

Just more than an hour into what was supposed to be a 72-hour humanitarian cease-fire between Hamas and Israel on Aug. 1, Hamas kidnapped an Israeli officer taking part in military operations to clear tunnels on the outskirts of the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Palestinian militants stormed out of a tunnel, exchanging fire with Israeli soldiers, when one of the militants detonated an explosive vest, killing two Israelis. In the ensuing confusion, the militants reportedly took 2nd Lt. Haftar Goldin of the Givati Brigade into the tunnel. Hamas and the Israeli military initially denied or refused to confirm that Hamas is holding the Israeli soldier. Also in question is the state of Goldin's health and whether he is alive.

The kidnapping prompted a strong emotional response from the Israeli public, one that could encourage the Israeli Cabinet to expand ground operations. However, Israel's political leadership will have to consider the heightened risk of Israeli military casualties and abductions in the densely populated area of Rafah.