Israel conducted airstrikes in Gaza on Sunday, resulting in the death of at least 11 individuals as reported by Palestinian officials. This action was taken by the Israeli military in response to ceasefire violations by Hamas, a Palestinian militant group.
According to Gaza medics, one airstrike targeted a tent encampment sheltering displaced families, leading to the deaths of at least four people. Additionally, health officials stated that another airstrike in Khan Younis claimed the lives of five individuals, while a separate person was fatally shot in the northern region. The airstrikes also targeted a suspected commander of the Islamic Jihad group, an ally of Hamas, in Gaza City’s Tel Al-Hawa neighborhood.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem condemned Israel’s actions, describing it as a new “massacre” against displaced Palestinians and a serious breach of the ceasefire ahead of the upcoming meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace.” In response, an Israeli military official defended the airstrikes as “precise” and in compliance with international law, citing repeated violations of the October ceasefire agreement by the Palestinian group.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to numerous casualties on both sides since its inception following an attack by Hamas in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The ongoing violence has resulted in a significant loss of life, with over 600 Palestinians reportedly killed by Israeli forces during the ceasefire period, while four Israeli soldiers have died in militant attacks in Gaza.
The situation has been further complicated by mutual accusations of ceasefire violations between the two parties, jeopardizing Trump’s efforts to bring an end to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the “Board of Peace.”
The Israeli military justified its actions by citing the breach of the ceasefire agreement by Hamas militants, who allegedly crossed into Israeli-controlled territory armed, violating the established boundaries. Israel has taken unilateral steps, such as moving the demarcation line deeper into Gaza, and has emphasized the need for Hamas to disarm as outlined in the ceasefire plan.
As tensions escalate, Hamas has called on the international community to pressure Israel to uphold the ceasefire and implement the agreement in a timely manner. Meanwhile, Trump’s initiative aims to rebuild Gaza and establish a UN-sanctioned stabilization force for the region.
In a separate development, Nasser Hospital in Gaza criticized Doctors Without Borders (MSF) for suspending most of its operations due to security concerns related to armed individuals in the area. The hospital refuted MSF’s claims, asserting that the presence of civilian police was essential for safeguarding patients and staff in the conflict-affected region.