What is the ruling on masturbation during a Ramadan day, and how can one reconcile its prohibition with the saying of Lady Aisha: "Nothing breaks the fast except sexual intercourse"?

Masturbation is forbidden and invalidates the fast according to the majority of jurists, and its make-up is obligatory. Jurists have differed, however, on whether expiation is also required or not. What has been narrated about Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) regarding the confinement of fast-breakers to sexual intercourse is not authentic. Furthermore, the statement of masturbation's prohibition does not contradict the statement attributed to her, due to the difference in the subject matter of each.