Deadly Strikes Underscore Fragility of Gaza Ceasefire

Israeli airstrikes and military operations across the Gaza Strip have killed multiple Palestinians in recent days, despite the existence of a ceasefire framework that was intended to halt major hostilities and enable humanitarian relief. Reports from medical teams, local journalists, and international agencies indicate that violence has continued across northern, central, and southern Gaza, with civilians repeatedly caught in the crossfire.

Escalating Strikes Across Gaza

Multiple sources document a pattern of Israeli attacks that have persisted even after the ceasefire agreement took effect:

• Airstrikes in Gaza City and Northern Gaza:
  Residential areas in the Tuffah, Shuja’iyya, and Zeitoun neighbourhoods were hit by Israeli warplanes, with several multi‑storey buildings destroyed. In Beit Lahia and Jabalia, controlled demolitions levelled additional structures, continuing a trend of widespread destruction in previously evacuated districts.
• Casualties and Civilian Impact:
  Health officials report that at least 13 Palestinians, including four children, were killed in a series of strikes across Gaza on Thursday alone. Other incidents included the killing of a 15‑year‑old boy, a fisherman, and a man east of Khan Younis in separate attacks.
• Drone and Artillery Fire:
  A Palestinian man was killed by an Israeli drone east of Khan Younis, while artillery units continued shelling eastern districts of the city, restricting movement for ambulances and rescue teams.

Disputed Claims and Ceasefire Violations

Israeli authorities state that several of the strikes were responses to attempted rocket launches or what they describe as “terrorist infrastructure,” including tunnel networks and weapons sites. In one case, the Israeli military said it targeted a Hamas commander after a failed rocket launch from Gaza City.

Hamas officials and residents dispute these claims, asserting that many of the targeted structures were civilian homes and that no militant activity occurred in the areas struck. Palestinian authorities say more than 400 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, alleging over 1,100 Israeli violations, including airstrikes, demolitions, and detentions.

Humanitarian Conditions Worsen

The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate sharply:

• Aid Restrictions:
  Israeli authorities have blocked or delayed large quantities of humanitarian aid at Gaza’s borders, despite international appeals for predictable access. Several major aid organisations, including Doctors Without Borders and the Norwegian Refugee Council, have been banned from operating in Gaza.
• Winter Hardship:
  Winter storms have flooded displacement camps, collapsing tents and leaving thousands exposed to cold and rain. Medical teams report rising cases of respiratory illness and warn that hospitals—already operating far beyond capacity—are nearing total collapse due to shortages of fuel, medicine, and equipment.

Ceasefire Framework Under Strain

The ceasefire, mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, was designed to pause fighting, facilitate hostage‑prisoner exchanges, and allow humanitarian access. However, both sides accuse each other of repeated violations. Israeli leaders insist that any breach—such as attempted rocket fire—justifies military response, while Palestinian officials argue that Israeli attacks have undermined the agreement from the outset.

Wider Political Context

Diplomatic efforts continue, with international mediators attempting to stabilise the ceasefire and advance negotiations. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel will not move to the next phase of the agreement until the body of the final Israeli hostage is returned, while also vowing to resume full military operations if Hamas does not disarm.

Casualty Figures

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, more than 71,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 171,000 injured since the war began in October 2023. At least 420 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire was signed, underscoring the fragility of the current truce and the ongoing risks faced by civilians across the enclave.