Fresh Strikes in Gaza Raise Tensions as Israel and Hamas Trade Ceasefire Accusations
Air raids carried out by Israel across different parts of the Gaza Strip on Sunday left at least 11 Palestinians dead, according to Palestinian authorities, while the Israeli military said the action came after alleged breaches of the truce by Hamas fighters.
Medical sources in Gaza reported that a strike on a tent settlement sheltering displaced civilians killed four people.
Health officials added that another bombardment in the southern city of Khan Younis claimed five lives, while one individual was shot dead in the northern sector.
Separately, aircraft targeted a location in Gaza City’s Tel Al-Hawa neighbourhood believed to be associated with a commander from the Islamic Jihad movement, which operates alongside Hamas.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem described the attacks as a new assault on displaced residents and called them a serious violation of the ceasefire, days ahead of the first session of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed international “Board of Peace.”
An Israeli defence official maintained that the strikes were carefully aimed and consistent with international legal standards, asserting that militants had repeatedly broken the ceasefire agreed in October.
Continuing blame over truce violations
Both sides have frequently accused each other of undermining the agreement — a key element in Washington’s effort to bring the Gaza conflict to an end.
The current war began after the October 7, 2023, assault by Hamas into southern Israel that Israeli authorities say killed over 1,200 people.
Palestinian health officials say Israel’s subsequent military campaign has resulted in more than 72,000 deaths in Gaza.
The Israeli military said its latest operation followed an incident in the Beit Hanoun area where fighters allegedly emerged from a tunnel and crossed the so-called “Yellow Line,” the boundary separating Israeli and Hamas-controlled zones under the truce.
According to Israeli officials, armed militants approaching their positions constituted a direct breach of the agreement.
Hamas, however, disputes Israeli interpretations of the line, which Israel has moved further into Gaza during its operations.
The group has also resisted demands to disarm — a provision Israel insists must be enforced if voluntary compliance does not occur.
Diplomatic efforts underway
Qassem called on participants attending the upcoming Washington meeting to press Israel to respect the ceasefire and implement its terms fully.
U.S. officials have indicated that a large-scale reconstruction plan for Gaza and the formation of a UN-mandated stabilisation force are expected to be outlined at the gathering.
The Israeli army said it continues to dismantle underground tunnel networks in northern Gaza in accordance with the agreement and reported killing at least two militants emerging from a tunnel east of the boundary line.
Palestinian authorities said they had no immediate confirmation of those casualties.
Since the truce took effect, Gaza’s health ministry reports that about 600 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, while Israel says four of its soldiers have died in militant attacks over the same period.
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