Ceasefire in Gaza on Brink as Israeli Air Strikes Intensify

The fragile ceasefire in Gaza is nearing collapse as Israeli air strikes escalate across the territory. On Sunday, strikes targeted areas including the cities of Rafah and Beit Lahia, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. The Israeli military reported that the attacks were a response to gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades launched by Hamas towards its troops stationed in Rafah. In contrast, Hamas claimed it was unaware of any clashes and accused Israel of intentionally escalating the situation.

According to Gaza’s civil defense agency, a series of air strikes led to the deaths of at least 33 individuals. The Israeli military confirmed that two of its soldiers were killed during operations in southern Gaza, marking the first Israeli fatalities since the ceasefire was established on October 10th. The military stated that it targeted numerous Hamas positions across the Gaza Strip, as both sides exchanged accusations of violating the ceasefire that was brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

“In response to the blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement earlier today, the IDF has begun a series of strikes against Hamas terror targets in the southern Gaza Strip,” the military said in a statement. The IDF also reported the dismantling of 6 kilometers of underground tunnels allegedly used for munitions. Palestinian forces reportedly fired anti-armour rockets at Israeli troops in Rafah, with conflicting reports suggesting Hamas aimed to target Yasser Abu Shabab, leader of an Israeli-backed militia, rather than Israeli soldiers.

Following the air strikes, Israeli media reported that all aid deliveries to Gaza had been “suspended until further notice.” Senior Israeli politicians expressed increasing skepticism about the ceasefire’s viability. Hardline ministers Amichai Chikli and Avi Dichter stated that Israel cannot coexist with Hamas, while opposition leader Yair Golan called for a “decisive response,” criticizing Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu‘s government for failing to establish new strategies.

Despite the escalating violence, senior Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq asserted that the group remains committed to the ceasefire. He stated,

“It is the occupation that continues to violate the ceasefire and provide excuses for its crimes.”

The U.S. State Department indicated it had received credible reports of an imminent Hamas attack against civilians in Gaza. Hamas dismissed these allegations as “false” and “aligned with misleading Israeli propaganda.”

The U.S. government cautioned that should Hamas proceed with any planned attacks, measures would be taken to protect Gaza’s residents and uphold the integrity of the ceasefire. No further details regarding the alleged plans were disclosed. As tensions rise, the future of the ceasefire hangs in the balance, with both sides bracing for the potential consequences of renewed conflict.