Israel Airstrikes Hit Gaza, Kill 24, Injure 54 Amid Ceasefire Tensions/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel launched airstrikes against Hamas in Gaza, killing at least 24 and wounding dozens, including children. The strikes followed reports of armed militants crossing into Israeli-held areas. The violence tests the fragile ceasefire that began in early October.
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Tensions Quick Looks
- New Strikes: Israel launched air attacks targeting Hamas in Gaza.
- Civilian Toll: At least 24 killed, 54 injured, many children.
- Trigger Incident: Armed militant allegedly crossed into Israeli zone.
- Strikes Continue: Homes and vehicles targeted across central Gaza.
- Hospitals Overwhelmed: Shifa, Al-Awda, and Al-Aqsa treat dozens of wounded.
- Ceasefire Tested: October truce under renewed pressure amid rising violence.
Israel Airstrikes Hit Gaza Amid Ceasefire Tensions, Kill 24, Injure 54
Deep Look
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza faced a serious new test on Saturday as Israeli forces launched fresh airstrikes in response to what officials described as militant provocations. According to Gaza health authorities, at least 24 Palestinians were killed and 54 others injured, many of them children, in a series of targeted strikes across the densely populated territory.
The strikes come just over a month after a ceasefire was brokered on October 10, aimed at de-escalating weeks of deadly conflict. However, sporadic violence has persisted, and Saturday’s air assaults mark one of the most serious flare-ups since the agreement was put in place.
Civilian Impact: Children Among the Casualties
The deadliest strike occurred in Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood, where an Israeli missile hit a vehicle, killing seven and injuring 18 others, according to Rami Mhanna, managing director of Shifa Hospital. The hospital’s director, Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiya, confirmed that many of the injured were children.
Elsewhere in central Gaza, strikes on residential homes claimed additional lives. In the city of Deir al-Balah, three people, including a woman, were killed. Another attack in the Nuseirat refugee camp killed one child and wounded 16 others. A strike near Al-Awda Hospital left three more dead and 11 wounded.
Hospitals across Gaza are reportedly under immense strain, with emergency rooms flooded and medical supplies stretched thin as the violence continues.
Israeli Justification and Military Response
In a statement, Israel’s military said the latest strikes were launched in retaliation for a series of armed incursions into Israeli-held areas. One such incident involved a gunman who crossed into southern Gaza and opened fire on Israeli soldiers. While no Israeli troops were harmed, the military claims the assailant used a road meant for humanitarian aid.
Separately, Israeli forces reported killing three suspected militants in the Rafah area. In two additional incidents in northern Gaza, Israeli troops shot and killed two men who had reportedly entered Israeli-controlled zones and approached soldiers.
According to Israel, the targets of the airstrikes were linked to Hamas military activity and were a direct response to these violations of the ceasefire.
Ceasefire in Jeopardy
Saturday’s events underscore the fragility of the ceasefire that was established to end an escalation that had already displaced thousands and caused extensive damage to Gaza’s infrastructure. While neither side has officially abandoned the truce, repeated violations suggest a return to broader conflict may be looming.
Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern that renewed hostilities could hinder critical aid deliveries. The use of roads designated for humanitarian access as potential attack routes has added further complications to aid coordination.
As pressure mounts, international mediators are once again urging both sides to exercise restraint and recommit to de-escalation efforts.
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