Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Tested as Strikes Leave Scores Dead
Israel carried out airstrikes across Gaza on Saturday following reports of attacks on its troops. The strikes mark a serious test of the ceasefire established on Oct. 10. Gaza health officials say at least 24 people were killed and 54 wounded, including children. Israel reported that five senior Hamas members were among those targeted.
Renewed Violence Amid Fragile Ceasefire
The airstrikes came after gunfire at Israeli troops in southern Gaza, which Israel described as a major ceasefire violation. No Israeli soldiers were injured. In retaliation, Israel targeted several sites linked to Hamas operations.
In Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood, a strike hit a vehicle, killing 11 and wounding more than 20, mostly children, according to Rami Mhanna, managing director of Shifa Hospital. Hospital director Mohamed Abu Selmiya confirmed that most casualties were minors.
Video footage shows residents inspecting the blackened wreckage. Another strike near Al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza killed at least three and wounded 11. Additional attacks in Nuseirat camp and Deir al-Balah killed 10 more civilians, including women and children.
Local resident Khalil Abu Hatab described the impact in Deir al-Balah: “Suddenly, I heard a powerful explosion. Smoke covered the entire area. I couldn’t see a thing. I covered my ears and shouted for everyone in the tent to run. When I looked again, the upper floor of my neighbor’s house was gone.”
Abu Hatab called the situation “a fragile ceasefire” and said civilians felt unsafe, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of Gaza residents.
Israel’s Military Response
Israel said the strikes targeted an “armed terrorist” who crossed into Israeli-controlled territory and fired at troops. In Rafah, Israeli forces killed 11 militants and detained six others attempting to escape underground. Additional operations targeted militants in northern Gaza approaching Israeli forces.
Israeli troops occupy slightly more than half of Gaza after partial withdrawals under the ceasefire. The military described some breaches as extreme violations, including attacks along humanitarian aid routes.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed five senior Hamas members were killed. Hamas has not commented on these claims.
Hamas Response
Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Rishq condemned the strikes, accusing Israel of using pretexts to avoid implementing the ceasefire. He said the attacks were part of “a war of extermination.” Hamas has called on the United States and other mediators to ensure Israel follows the agreement.
Hamas has not addressed Israel’s claim of senior members killed, reflecting the ongoing tension and conflicting narratives.
Civilian Impact and Hospital Reports
Gaza’s Health Ministry reports 69,733 Palestinians have died and 170,863 have been injured in Israel’s retaliatory offensive since Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The ministry says women and children account for the majority of casualties.
Medical teams continue recovering and identifying victims, which has raised the casualty count during the ceasefire. Hospitals such as Shifa and Al-Awda remain overwhelmed, treating civilians from both new strikes and earlier attacks.
Mohamed Abu Selmiya emphasized the strain on hospitals, noting the urgent need for resources to manage the surge of casualties, especially children.
Background on the Conflict
The current violence followed Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed over 1,200 people and left more than 250 hostages. Most hostages or their remains have been returned through ceasefires and negotiations. The remains of three individuals are still in Gaza.
Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, demanding a state commission of inquiry into failures surrounding the October 7 attacks. Rafi Ben Shitrit, whose son Staff Sgt. Shimon Alroy Ben Shitrit was killed, said: “The government of Israel failed in its most important mission: to protect its children and citizens, not to abandon soldiers on the battlefield.”
International Context
The escalation came shortly after the U.N. Security Council approved a U.S.-proposed plan for Gaza. It calls for an international stabilization force, a transitional authority overseen by President Donald Trump, and a potential path to an independent Palestinian state.
The plan aims to provide security and governance in Gaza, but repeated ceasefire violations and ongoing military operations complicate its implementation.
The Ceasefire’s Fragility
The airstrikes underline the fragile nature of the ceasefire. Earlier in the week, Israeli operations killed at least 33 Palestinians over 12 hours, including women and children.
Residents describe life under intermittent shelling as untenable. No location feels fully safe. These repeated attacks show how difficult it is to enforce ceasefire agreements and the complexity of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
Outlook and Humanitarian Concerns
The renewed violence has prompted calls for international mediation and humanitarian support. The U.N. and other organizations stress the need for safe corridors, medical supplies, and protection for children.
Israel frames its strikes as defensive against militant activity, but the civilian toll demonstrates the disproportionate impact on non-combatants. Experts warn that without strong enforcement and oversight, the ceasefire will remain vulnerable, prolonging instability and civilian suffering.
