Ceasefire in Crisis: Overnight Bombardment Rocks Gaza
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas shattered overnight as a new wave of Israeli airstrikes struck multiple parts of Gaza, leaving at least 50 Palestinians dead and 200 injured, according to local hospitals and the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency.
Israel said the strikes were in response to Hamas violating the US-brokered ceasefire — an accusation Hamas has strongly denied, calling the attack a “blatant breach of peace.”
Israel Responds to Soldier’s Death
The Israeli Defence Ministry accused Hamas fighters of killing Master Sergeant Yona Efraim Feldbaum, an Israeli soldier, during an operation in southern Rafah. Defence Minister Israel Katz said Hamas had “crossed a bright red line” and vowed severe retaliation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later confirmed that he had ordered the military to launch “forceful strikes” in Gaza.
Gaza Under Fire: Homes, Schools, and Refugee Camps Hit
Explosions were reported across Gaza City, Beit Lahia, Bureij, Nuseirat, and Khan Younis.
Witnesses described terrifying scenes of flames and thick black smoke as residential blocks, schools, and family homes were reduced to rubble.
Among the dead were 22 children, the Civil Defence said. In one incident, five members of the Abu Sharar family were killed in Bureij refugee camp, while rescue teams struggled to reach survivors trapped under debris.
Hamas Denies Responsibility
Hamas issued a statement rejecting Israel’s claims of ceasefire violations, saying it “has no connection” to the shooting in Rafah and remains committed to the peace agreement.
“The brutal bombardment on civilians shows the occupation’s disregard for human life,” the group said.
The group’s military wing also announced it would delay the return of a hostage’s body, citing “Israeli violations” of the ongoing ceasefire.
Washington Urges Calm — But Supports Israel’s Right to Respond
Speaking aboard Air Force One, US President Donald Trump told reporters that while “nothing will jeopardize the ceasefire,” Israel has the right to defend its soldiers.
US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, downplayed fears of a full-scale war, describing recent events as “minor skirmishes.”
Mounting Civilian Toll
Since the start of Israel’s campaign following the October 2023 Hamas attack, Gaza’s health ministry reports over 68,000 deaths, with most victims being civilians.
Despite international efforts by the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey to stabilize peace, this latest escalation threatens to undo months of negotiation.
Peace or Peril?
The cycle of violence raises urgent questions about the future of the ceasefire and the lives of millions trapped in Gaza.
If you were in charge of either side, would you choose to retaliate — or hold the fire in pursuit of lasting peace?