Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 25 Palestinians, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry, escalating tensions during a precarious ceasefire. The attacks targeted various locations across the territory, including civilian areas, and prompted immediate responses from both Israeli forces and Hamas officials.
The strikes occurred on Wednesday, with the deadliest incident in the eastern Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, where a building belonging to the ministry of religious endowments was hit, killing ten people, including a woman and a young girl. Rescue workers reported severe damage to the structure and surrounding areas, with videos showing efforts to extract victims from rubble. In Shejaiya, another strike killed one person and wounded several when a drone hit a group at a junction, while a tank shell struck a house, causing additional casualties. Further south in Khan Younis, three people were killed in an attack on a sports club run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
The Israeli military stated that the strikes were in response to Hamas gunmen opening fire towards Israeli soldiers in Khan Younis, violating the five-week-old ceasefire agreement. No Israeli injuries were reported in the incident. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emphasized that they targeted “Hamas terrorist targets” across Gaza and cited specific commanders as objectives in some strikes. This action underscores the fragility of the truce, which has been repeatedly tested by sporadic violence.
Hamas condemned the Israeli strikes as a dangerous escalation and called on the United States to pressure Israel to adhere to the ceasefire. A Hamas statement reiterated that the group would not disarm without the establishment of a Palestinian state, framing their actions as legitimate resistance. Meanwhile, a U.S. official, speaking anonymously, accused Hamas of attempting to break the ceasefire and failing to commit to demilitarization, asserting that such tactics would not succeed.
The ceasefire, which began on October 10, 2025, was brokered as part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan and endorsed by the UN Security Council. It aimed to reduce hostilities after two years of devastating war, allowing for increased aid and the return of displaced Palestinians. However, both sides have traded blame for violations, with Palestinian health authorities reporting hundreds of deaths since the truce began, including a significant number in recent escalations.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll on Gaza’s population, with over 69,500 Palestinians killed since the war started in October 2023, following a Hamas-led attack on Israel that left about 1,200 dead. The current strikes highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis, as infrastructure remains destroyed, and access to essentials like water and electricity is limited. Aid groups have warned of worsening conditions with the approach of winter, emphasizing the need for sustained humanitarian access.
Looking ahead, the escalation could lead to further retaliatory actions, potentially unraveling the fragile truce. Diplomatic channels may be activated to de-escalate tensions, but the underlying issues of disarmament, statehood, and security remain unresolved. The international community, including the U.S. and UN, faces renewed pressure to mediate and prevent a return to full-scale conflict, as civilians in Gaza bear the brunt of the violence.
