Israeli airstrikes killed 25 Palestinians in Gaza, raising new doubts about the fragile ceasefire as both sides accuse each other of violations.
Israeli Strikes Kill 25 in Gaza as Ceasefire Tensions Rise
Deadly Casualties Reported by Local Health Officials
Health authorities in Gaza reported that 25 Palestinians were killed on Wednesday following a series of Israeli airstrikes across Gaza. The strikes occurred in areas controlled by Hamas since the ceasefire implemented on October 10, marking one of the deadliest days since the truce began. Medics confirmed fatalities in Zeitoun, Shejaia, and Khan Younis, with at least 10 deaths in Zeitoun alone.
Locations Targeted in Multiple Strikes
Residents and emergency workers said the attacks struck far beyond an agreed-upon “yellow line”, an informal marker separating Israeli- and Palestinian-controlled zones. Buildings hit included a religious affairs facility in Zeitoun and a UN-run club sheltering displaced families in Khan Younis, intensifying fears for civilians seeking refuge in designated safe areas.
Military Response Following Gunfire on Israeli Forces
The Israeli military confirmed it launched strikes across Gaza, stating that Hamas fighters opened fire on Israeli troops, prompting what it called “targeted responses.” The military reported no injuries among Israeli forces and accused Hamas of repeatedly violating the nearly six-week-old ceasefire.
Ceasefire Under Growing Strain
The renewed violence underscores the fragility of the U.S.-brokered truce—a key component of President Donald Trump’s 20-point post-war Gaza plan. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of undermining the agreement through sporadic attacks and escalatory actions. Mediators warn that continued clashes could unravel remaining diplomatic progress.
Wider Conflict Context and Ongoing Risks
While the October ceasefire initially eased hostilities—allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to devastated neighbourhoods—violence has persisted. According to Palestinian health authorities, 305 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since the truce, nearly half of them in a single day last week during retaliatory fire. Israel, meanwhile, says three of its soldiers have died in incidents linked to ceasefire violations.
Humanitarian Concerns Deepening
Aid agencies report that, despite a modest increase in humanitarian access since the truce, instability continues to put displaced families, relief workers, and health infrastructure at significant risk. Local officials warn that each new strike pushes Gaza further from recovery and closer to a collapse of the ceasefire.
