Deadly Air Strikes Hit Gaza
At least eight people have been killed in Gaza over the last 24 hours as a result of Israeli air strikes, according to the territory’s civil defence agency. The fatalities include four children, highlighting the human toll of the ongoing conflict.
Mahmud Bassal, spokesman for Gaza’s civil defence, reported that four people, including three children, were killed when a drone struck a tent sheltering displaced individuals in southern Gaza. Additional casualties included an 11-year-old girl near the Jabalia refugee camp, a person killed in a strike on a school, and two men killed near Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah.
Israel’s military has said it is investigating the reports, as both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating a fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
Casualties Since Ceasefire
Since the US-brokered truce on 10 October, Israeli forces have killed at least 425 Palestinians in Gaza, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The ceasefire has largely halted large-scale fighting, though reports of sporadic violations continue to emerge.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that a projectile launched towards Israel from the area around Gaza City fell within Gaza itself, and the IDF subsequently targeted the launch site with precision strikes.
Context: The US-Brokered Gaza Truce
The current ceasefire marks phase one of a US-sponsored peace plan, introduced by former President Donald Trump. This initial stage focused on the release of remaining Israeli hostages captured by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, in exchange for Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons.
Although several hostages’ bodies have been returned, one body remains unrecovered. The plan’s second phase, which has not yet moved forward, would require Hamas to fully disarm, the establishment of a technocratic government in Gaza, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Political Tensions and Delays
Critics suggest that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be delaying the peace process, demanding that Hamas disarm before Israeli forces withdraw. Netanyahu has been accused of resisting serious negotiations on a political future for Palestinians, while Hamas insists that disarmament must coincide with progress toward an independent Palestinian state.
Trump has warned that Hamas will face “hell to pay” if it does not comply with the disarmament requirement, but the group has so far refused to take these steps.
Ceasefire Challenges and Violations
Despite the truce, both sides continue to allege ceasefire violations, with air strikes and sporadic attacks disrupting relative calm. The ongoing tension underscores the fragility of the agreement and the continued risk to civilians in Gaza, particularly displaced families and children living in conflict zones.
The Human Cost
The recent strikes in Gaza serve as a stark reminder of the human consequences of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially for vulnerable populations. Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned about the impact on children, schools, and refugee shelters, calling for greater adherence to ceasefire agreements and renewed international diplomatic efforts.
Looking Ahead: Gaza’s Reconstruction
Phase two of the peace plan envisions a technocratic government, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the reconstruction of Gaza. However, ongoing disputes between Israel and Hamas, alongside political maneuvering by both sides, threaten to stall the process indefinitely, leaving civilians caught in the middle.
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