Israel launched a fresh wave of airstrikes in the Gaza Strip after accusing Hamas militants of violating a U.S.-brokered truce by engaging Israeli troops along the “Yellow Line” demarcation. Israeli officials say the strikes killed at least 27 people and wounded 88 others, marking the deadliest single-day assault since the cease-fire began October 10.
The Israeli military stated it acted in response to what it described as daily Hamas provocations, including cross-border engagements and attempts to test Israel’s forces. Hamas rejected the accusation, instead condemning the strikes as “dangerous escalation” that threatens the fragile peace.
Mediators in Qatar and other international actors expressed alarm, warning that the recent violence may unravel months of diplomatic efforts. The renewed hostilities come just days after the United Nations Security Council approved a plan to deploy an international stabilization board in Gaza — participation and implementation of which remain unresolved.
With the death toll rising beyond 300 Palestinians since the truce took effect, the events place the future of the cease-fire in critical jeopardy and raise urgent questions about the prospects for a lasting resolution.