Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip have killed at least 22 Palestinians, according to health officials, in the latest violation of a fragile six-week-old ceasefire. The attacks, which targeted residential areas and vehicles, have escalated tensions and prompted calls for international intervention.
On Saturday, Israeli forces launched a series of air attacks targeting multiple locations in northern and central Gaza, including Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and the Nuseirat refugee camp. Hamas-run medical and civil defence officials reported that five sites were hit, resulting in widespread casualties and damage. The strikes occurred amid ongoing accusations from both sides of breaching the US-brokered truce agreement.
Specific incidents included a car struck in Gaza City’s densely populated Rimal area, killing five people and setting the vehicle ablaze, according to witnesses. In Deir al-Balah, an attack on a house killed at least three individuals, including a woman, while in Nuseirat, two residential buildings were targeted, leading to multiple fatalities. The Gaza Government Media Office stated that Israel has violated the ceasefire hundreds of times since it began, with civilians accounting for the majority of victims.
The Israeli military justified the strikes as a response to an earlier incident where an armed terrorist fired at soldiers after crossing the designated ‘yellow line’ in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office claimed that five senior Hamas fighters were eliminated in the operation and called on mediators to ensure Hamas fulfills its ceasefire obligations. However, Hamas denied the Israeli account, labeling it a fabricated pretext.
Hamas accused Israel of systematically violating the truce by pushing westward beyond agreed boundaries and continuing bombardments. The group urged mediators—the United States, Egypt, and Qatar—to intervene urgently and pressure Israel to halt the attacks. A senior Hamas official, Izzat al-Risheq, dismissed reports of the ceasefire being called off, emphasizing that Israel is evading its commitments.
Witnesses described traumatic scenes, with explosions causing chaos and debris-covered streets. Khalil Abu Hatab from Deir al-Balah recounted how a strike destroyed his neighbor’s home, leaving him and others fleeing for safety. Anas al-Saloul in Nuseirat reported taking the injured to hospitals amid the devastation, highlighting the pervasive fear and lack of safe havens for Palestinians.
The violence underscores the fragility of the ceasefire, which has seen over 300 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes since its inception, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Broader context includes the ongoing conflict that began in October 2023, with nearly 70,000 Palestinians killed to date. International human rights organizations have condemned the violations as breaches of humanitarian law.
As mediators assess the situation, the risk of further escalation remains high. The international community faces renewed calls to reinforce the ceasefire and address root causes to prevent more loss of life. The incident highlights the urgent need for sustainable peace efforts in the region.
