Israeli airstrikes targeted Gaza, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals following Israel’s accusations against Hamas for breaching a ceasefire agreement. The fatalities included victims in various locations, such as a house in the Bureij refugee camp, a building in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood, and a car in Khan Younis. Witnesses confirmed ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, with reports of strikes in Gaza City as well.
Israeli military officials stated that Hamas violated the ceasefire by attacking Israeli forces in an area under Israeli control, leading to the planned airstrikes. Israel informed the United States before carrying out the attacks. Despite reports of an exchange of fire between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters in Rafah, Hamas denied responsibility for the attack.
The ceasefire, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, has faced challenges, with accusations from both sides regarding violations. Hamas initially agreed to hand over the body of a missing hostage found in a Gaza tunnel to Israel on Tuesday but later postponed the handover, citing perceived Israeli violations of the ceasefire terms.
The issue of recovering and handing over hostage remains has been a contentious point in the ceasefire agreement. Israel accused Hamas of manipulating the recovery process, leading to further tensions. Efforts to locate and retrieve bodies have been hindered by destruction in Gaza and lack of necessary equipment, according to Hamas.
Israeli officials have called for decisive action against Hamas, but any response would require approval from Washington, the mediator of the fragile ceasefire. The search for hostage bodies has intensified with the assistance of heavy machinery from Egypt, including bulldozers deployed in various parts of Gaza. Rescue operations continue to recover the remains of Palestinians missing after years of conflict.
Gaza health authorities reported a significant death toll from Israeli strikes, with thousands still missing. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in extensive destruction in Gaza, with ongoing demolitions by Israeli forces in areas where they are stationed.