Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people on Tuesday, following Israel’s accusation that Hamas breached a ceasefire in the Palestinian region. The violence occurred despite a recent peace deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. Fatalities included individuals 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, where two children were among the victims.
The Israeli air assaults extended into Wednesday, with reports of ongoing strikes throughout the Gaza Strip. Witnesses also observed attacks in Gaza City. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not specify the motive for the airstrikes, but an Israeli military official claimed that Hamas violated the ceasefire by targeting Israeli forces in a controlled area.
Israel informed the United States before launching the attacks, according to anonymous U.S. officials. While Israeli media mentioned an exchange of fire in Rafah between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters, Hamas denied responsibility for the incident. President Trump, en route to South Korea, assured that the ceasefire remained secure.
The conflict arose when Hamas delayed handing over a missing hostage’s body to Israel, claiming Israeli violations of the ceasefire terms. Both parties have accused each other of breaching the agreement. The ceasefire, aimed at ending a two-year conflict, involved the release of hostages by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees and Israel’s withdrawal of troops.
The search for hostage remains intensified with the arrival of heavy equipment from Egypt to aid efforts in Khan Younis and Nuseirat. Bulldozers were deployed in these areas, where some bodies may be located in Hamas tunnels. Rescuers continue to sift through rubble in Gaza in search of missing individuals, as thousands are still unaccounted for following the destructive Israeli strikes.
Health authorities in Gaza reported a death toll of 68,000 from the Israeli attacks, with many more missing. The violence began when Hamas fighters entered southern Israel, resulting in casualties and hostage situations. Israeli forces are still active in Gaza, conducting demolitions in remaining areas. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that troops would persist in destroying Hamas tunnels, the majority of which remain intact.
