Israel carried out a series of airstrikes across Gaza on Wednesday, killing more than 25 Palestinians and injuring dozens, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The attacks took place even as a fragile ceasefire, in place since October 10, continues to face repeated violations and political strain.
Local officials said the strikes hit several populated areas, including the Zeitoun and Shujayea neighbourhoods of Gaza City and al-Mawasi near Khan Younis, where many displaced families have been sheltering in makeshift tents. Entire residential blocks were reduced to rubble, and emergency teams were seen pulling survivors and bodies from the debris. Health authorities reported that many of the victims were civilians, including women and children.
Israel’s military said the strikes targeted Hamas-linked sites and were carried out in response to gunfire allegedly directed at Israeli troops stationed in southern Gaza. The military claimed it acted against “terrorist threats” and accused Hamas of attempting to undermine the ceasefire.
Hamas denied firing at Israeli forces, calling the accusation “baseless” and saying Israel was using it as a justification to resume military operations. The group said the latest attacks were part of a pattern of violations that have continued despite international efforts to stabilise the situation.
Humanitarian agencies expressed concern that the renewed violence would worsen the already fragile living conditions in Gaza, where thousands remain displaced with limited access to food, water, and medical care. Aid workers said repeated airstrikes were affecting evacuation routes, delaying emergency relief and heightening fears among civilians who believed the ceasefire offered some measure of safety.
Diplomatic observers warned that the continued escalation threatens to derail ongoing regional talks aimed at securing a more durable peace framework. With both sides trading accusations over ceasefire breaches, uncertainty grows over whether the truce can survive the rising tensions.
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