Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens in Gaza, Marking Deadliest Day Since Ceasefire

At least 25 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The attacks represent one of the deadliest incidents since a ceasefire came into effect five weeks ago, raising concerns about a potential escalation in the fragile truce.

The most severe damage occurred in the eastern Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, where a ministry of religious endowments building was hit, killing ten people. Rescuers reported that the building sustained severe damage, and several surrounding structures were also destroyed. Videos circulated by Gaza’s Civil Defence agency showed rescue workers pulling two people from the rubble, while photos published by Anadolu news agency depicted the bodies of three children reportedly recovered from the site.

Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesman for Gaza’s Hamas-run Civil Defence, said the Israeli strikes included air, drone, and artillery attacks on several locations in Gaza City and Khan Younis shortly after sunset on Wednesday. He noted that the attacks followed several days of relative calm, marking a sharp escalation in hostilities.

Israeli Strikes Hit Zeitoun and Gaza City

In addition to Zeitoun, the southern city of Khan Younis was heavily impacted by Israeli strikes. According to the Civil Defence, 13 people were killed in various attacks, including three inside a sports club operated by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

Gaza City’s Shejaiya neighborhood was also targeted. A drone strike killed one person and injured several others at Shejaiya junction on Salah al-Din Street, the main north-south thoroughfare. Another person was killed when a tank shell struck a house belonging to the Balboul family on Mushtaha Street in eastern Gaza City.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that its actions were in response to gunmen firing toward areas where Israeli soldiers were operating in Khan Younis, which it described as a violation of the ceasefire agreement. “Several terrorists opened fire toward the area where IDF soldiers are operating in Khan Younis. This action constitutes a violation of the ceasefire agreement. No IDF injuries were reported,” the military said.

The IDF further stated that its Israeli strikes targeted Hamas positions, including commanders of the Zeitoun Battalion and the naval force of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing. Israeli public broadcaster Kan cited a security source confirming these targets.

Hamas strongly condemned the Israeli strikes, describing them as a “dangerous escalation” and accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to resume what it called a “genocide against our people.” The organization urged the United States to pressure Israel to halt its attacks and enforce the ceasefire.

A US official, however, told Reuters that Hamas was attempting to break the ceasefire and not fulfilling its commitment to disarm. This statement underscores the ongoing mistrust between parties, even as international actors attempt to stabilize the region.

The flare-up of violence comes after the UN Security Council passed a resolution supporting US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan aimed at ending two years of devastating conflict. The resolution called for the creation of a transitional governance body, the Board of Peace, chaired by Trump, and the deployment of a temporary International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to oversee demilitarization in Gaza.

Trump described the resolution as “a moment of true historic proportion,” highlighting international hopes for a lasting peace. Yet, Hamas has insisted it will not disarm without recognition of a Palestinian state, framing its actions as legitimate “resistance.” Meanwhile, Israel has stressed the importance of complete disarmament and warned that it will not stop until Hamas no longer poses a threat.

The recent attacks are part of a broader pattern of Israeli strikes that began after a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Since then, at least 69,500 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza, including 280 during the ceasefire period, according to the territory’s health ministry. Israel reported three military deaths since the ceasefire began and said it has targeted scores of fighters.

On Wednesday, Israel also conducted strikes in southern Lebanon, targeting weapons storage facilities linked to Hezbollah. Israel accused the Iran-backed group of attempting to rebuild its military capabilities following the conflict that ended last November.

The Israeli strikes on Wednesday highlight the fragility of the ceasefire and the challenges facing both parties and international mediators. As violence continues to flare intermittently, questions remain about the effectiveness of international peace efforts and the ability of regional actors to prevent further bloodshed.

With tensions escalating again, the civilian population in Gaza faces continued insecurity, while Israel maintains its stated objective of neutralizing perceived threats. The recent surge in casualties underscores the urgent need for renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation and to safeguard civilians caught in the crossfire.

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Source- BBC