Israel conducted airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, as reported by Palestinian officials. The military actions were described as a response to ceasefire breaches by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Gaza medics confirmed casualties from Israeli airstrikes on a displaced families’ tent encampment and in Khan Younis, with additional fatalities in Gaza City. The strikes also targeted a suspected Islamic Jihad group commander.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem accused Israel of a new “massacre” against displaced Palestinians, labeling it a severe violation of the ceasefire ahead of the upcoming meeting of President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace.” Israeli military officials defended the airstrikes as precise and compliant with international law, citing repeated breaches of the October ceasefire agreement by Hamas.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported over 600 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire’s commencement, while Israel noted four soldiers killed by Gaza militants during the same period. Both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire, a crucial component of Trump’s peace plan for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted when Hamas targeted southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in over 1,200 deaths, according to Israeli sources. Israeli military actions in Gaza have led to more than 72,000 Palestinian casualties since then. The recent airstrikes were triggered by Hamas militants breaching the agreed ceasefire boundaries, prompting Israel’s response.
Meanwhile, a significant hospital in Gaza criticized Doctors Without Borders (MSF) for suspending most operations due to concerns about armed individuals within the facility. The hospital, Nasser Hospital, refuted MSF’s claims and emphasized the presence of civilian police for security. Hamas’s dominance in certain areas and the emergence of additional armed groups in Gaza have complicated the situation, leading to ongoing security challenges within the region.