Fear and tension have returned to Gaza after Israeli air raids killed at least 11 Palestinians since Sunday morning across the war-ravaged enclave. Israel claimed its forces came under fire from militants in what it called a “blatant” violation of the ceasefire—the first major test of the US-brokered truce signed a week ago.
The brief sense of relief that followed the ceasefire has quickly given way to renewed uncertainty, according to reports from Al Jazeera, BBC, and CNN.
Israeli warplanes struck several areas in southern Gaza after the army accused Hamas of targeting its soldiers. Hamas denied knowledge of any fighting in Rafah. Medical sources reported that at least five Palestinians were killed in central Gaza, while two others died and several were wounded in northern Gaza attacks.
Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said it remains committed to the ceasefire agreement and is “unaware of any engagement” in southern Rafah, where Israel carried out air strikes earlier.
Since the truce came into effect in early October, the Israeli army has reportedly committed at least 47 violations, killing 35 people and injuring 146. Israel has also announced that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed “until further notice.”
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s war on Gaza has so far killed at least 68,159 people and wounded 170,203 since October 2023. In Israel, 1,139 people were killed during the October 7, 2023 attacks, with around 200 taken captive. The ministry also said that among the 150 bodies recently released by Israel, 25 have been identified — some reportedly showing signs of “torture” and “beatings.”
Massive wave of strikes
The Israeli military confirmed that it had launched a “massive and extensive wave” of air strikes on southern Gaza, saying dozens of targets were hit as the fragile truce teeters on the brink.
The uneasy ceasefire — brokered by US President Donald Trump and effective since October 10 — had temporarily paused more than two years of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Hamas rejects US allegations
Hamas has strongly rejected a US State Department statement claiming “credible reports” suggested the group planned to violate the ceasefire.
In a statement issued Sunday, Hamas called the US allegation “false,” saying it “aligns fully with misleading Israeli propaganda and provides political cover for the occupation’s continued crimes and organized aggression” in Gaza.
The US had urged mediating countries to press Hamas to uphold its commitments under the US-backed peace deal.
Israeli ministers for renewed war
Following Sunday’s air strikes, several Israeli ministers made remarks suggesting wavering commitment to the ceasefire.
Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli declared, “As long as Hamas exists, there will be war.”
Cabinet member Avi Dichter described the situation as “difficult and complex,” accusing Hamas of breaking the truce under the assumption that “Israel will not resume fighting.”
He added that once all living hostages are recovered, “the conditions have changed — Israel will not give up on disarming Hamas.”
