Israeli Airstrikes Kill 25 in Gaza, Testing Fragile Ceasefire

Israeli forces launched a series of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip. The attacks killed at least 25 Palestinians. This new violence marks a significant flare-up in tensions.

The strikes occurred after militants in southern Gaza opened fire on Israeli soldiers. According to Reuters, this is the second deadliest wave of attacks since a US-backed ceasefire took effect. The fragile truce is now under severe strain.

Ceasefire Agreement Under Pressure

The Israeli military stated it struck Hamas targets in response to the initial gunfire. No Israeli soldiers were reported injured. This incident follows a similar escalation in late October that resulted in over 100 Palestinian deaths.

Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the US and EU, condemned the strikes. The group claims more than 300 people have been killed since the ceasefire began. It called on mediating nations to ensure Israel adheres to the peace agreement.

Broader Regional Conflict Simmers

This surge in violence comes just days after the UN Security Council voted on a US-drafted resolution. The plan, based on a Trump administration proposal, envisions disarming Hamas. The militant group has rejected this long-term framework.

The conflict’s roots trace back to October 2023. Hamas’s initial attack killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 250 taken hostage. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has resulted in significant casualties in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The recent airstrikes represent a serious challenge to the fragile Gaza ceasefire. This escalation risks reigniting a broader regional conflict. The international community watches closely as the situation remains highly volatile.

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What triggered the latest Israeli airstrikes in Gaza?

Militants in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis opened fire at Israeli soldiers. The Israel Defense Forces stated it then began striking Hamas targets across the strip in response. No Israeli soldiers were injured in the initial attack.

How many people have been killed since the ceasefire began?

Hamas claims more than 300 people have been killed in Gaza since the truce took effect. The recent airstrikes alone killed at least 25 Palestinians. These figures are reported by the Hamas-run health ministry.

What was the US-backed ceasefire deal?

The deal was a multi-phased agreement that began with Hamas releasing all living Israeli hostages. It also involved the handover of most hostage remains. The militant group still holds three hostage bodies, citing a need for retrieval equipment.

Has there been recent violence outside of Gaza?

Yes, an Israeli airstrike recently killed 13 people in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon. The IDF said it targeted a Hamas training compound. This action fuels concerns about a wider regional conflict reigniting.

Which countries mediated the Gaza truce?

Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar were the key mediators that brokered the pause in the two-year war. Hamas has called on these nations, along with the US, to pressure Israel to observe the peace agreement following the latest strikes.