In brief
In a sharp escalation of violence, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 25 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, including a significant strike on the religious endowments ministry in Gaza City. The attacks follow allegations of ceasefire violations by Hamas gunmen, leading to criticism from both sides amid ongoing tensions. This marks one of the deadliest days in Gaza since the ceasefire began five weeks earlier, with Hamas condemning the strikes as a dangerous escalation.
At least 25 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, in one of the deadliest days since the ceasefire came into effect five weeks ago.
Ten people died when a building belonging to the ministry of religious endowments in Gaza City's eastern Zeitoun neighborhood was struck, as per rescuers’ reports.
Israel's military claimed their actions targeted 'Hamas terrorist targets' after multiple gunmen allegedly opened fire at Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operations in Khan Younis, citing a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Hamas refuted Israel's rationale for the strikes, arguing that such actions signify a dangerous escalation that could undermine the fragile ceasefire.
The surge of violence follows a recent UN Security Council resolution supporting US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, aimed at ending ongoing conflicts.
Reports from Gaza's Hamas-led Civil Defence indicate that the strikes damaged several areas, with videos showing rescue efforts uncovering buried casualties. Graphic images surfaced, showcasing the devastation and laying bare the human toll of this conflict, including the bodies of young children uncovered at strike locations.
Israeli military officials justified the retaliatory strikes, while Hamas issued a statement condemning what they termed as renewed aggression, demanding international intervention to enforce a ceasefire. The broader context involves unresolved tensions following a recent horrendous escalation in violence that has resulted in thousands of deaths, including both military and civilian losses.
This notable uptick in hostilities occurs against a backdrop of diplomatic initiatives aimed at stabilizing the region, underscoring the fragile nature of any potential peace agreements.
