Israeli airstrikes kill 32 in Gaza amid renewed clashes, raising fears the fragile truce may collapse as both sides trade accusations of violations.
Gaza Sees Deadliest Day in Weeks as Strikes Intensify
Escalation Sparks Fresh Casualties
Israeli airstrikes across southern Gaza on Thursday killed at least 32 people within 24 hours, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, marking the heaviest toll since late October. The attacks struck residential areas in Khan Younis and nearby towns, with medics confirming multiple fatalities, including a baby girl. Israeli forces acknowledged carrying out strikes but said they had no verified information on civilian casualties.
Local Reports Describe Devastation
Residents in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Younis, said a home sheltering displaced families was hit without warning, killing three and injuring 15. Another strike in neighbouring Abassan killed one person and wounded three others. Later in the day, doctors at Nasser Hospital reported that a fifth civilian was shot dead in the Abassan area, adding to the rising toll.
Accusations Deepen Truce Tensions
Hamas called the renewed attacks a “dangerous escalation” and urged Arab and international mediators — including Turkey and the United States — to intervene urgently. The group accused Israel of altering boundary markers that define areas still under its military control, claiming the changes leave Israel in control of more than half of the enclave in violation of truce terms. Israeli authorities have not commented on the allegation.
Civilians Question Reality of Ceasefire
In Gaza City’s devastated neighbourhoods, residents searched through rubble for belongings as rescue crews looked for survivors. Many expressed disbelief that a ceasefire remained in effect. “They say there is a ceasefire, but I doubt this,” said Akram Iswair, a resident of Zeitoun, where 10 people were killed Wednesday. “Missiles struck displaced families. What are we supposed to do?”
Truce Eases Some Pressures but Not Violence
The ceasefire, in place since Oct. 10, has allowed hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to heavily damaged areas. Israeli troops have withdrawn from some urban positions and humanitarian aid has increased. But the calm remains fragile: Palestinian authorities say Israeli strikes have killed 312 people since the truce began, while Israel reports three soldiers killed and claims to have targeted dozens of militants.
Wider Conflict Still Shapes Daily Reality
The latest escalation unfolds more than two years into the Gaza war, triggered by the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that killed 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 hostages taken. Gaza’s Health Ministry now estimates more than 69,000 Palestinians — most of them civilians — have been killed in Israel’s retaliation.
Hostage and Prisoner Exchanges Ongoing
Under the truce agreement, Hamas released 20 living hostages in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees held by Israel. Hamas also agreed to return the remains of 28 hostages in exchange for the bodies of 360 Palestinian fighters. So far, 25 sets of remains have been transferred, while Israel has handed over 330 Palestinian bodies to Gaza authorities.
