In brief
Following a series of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, at least 104 Palestinians have been reported killed according to Hamas-run health officials. The Israeli military asserts that these strikes were a response to Hamas's alleged violations of a ceasefire agreement, including an attack that resulted in the death of an Israeli soldier. The conflict has drawn statements from international leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing the need for Israel to respond to threats. Reports indicate widespread devastation in residential areas, with families mourning the loss of loved ones amidst a backdrop of political tension.
At least 104 Palestinians were killed in a wave of Israeli strikes in Gaza on Tuesday night, according to the territory's health ministry, which is run by Hamas.
The Israeli military reported that it targeted dozens of terror targets and terrorists in response to Hamas's violations of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement.
Israel's Defence Minister accused Hamas of being involved in an attack that killed an Israeli soldier, which he claimed breached the terms regarding the return of deceased hostages' bodies. Hamas denied any connection to the attack, accusing Israel of attempting to undermine the ceasefire deal.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that nothing would jeopardize the ceasefire but suggested that Israel should retaliate when its soldiers are under threat.
The Israeli strikes, which included hits on homes, schools, and residential blocks, culminated in the death of many civilians, with eyewitnesses describing pillars of fire and smoke rising in Gaza City after the attacks.
According to health ministry reports, the fatalities included 46 children and 20 women, with over 250 others injured. Areas heavily affected included Gaza City, Beit Lahia, and Nuseirat, among others.
The situation escalated again in the following hours, as the conflict appeared far from resolution, raising concerns internationally about the future of the ceasefire.
In recent statements, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed resolve to take unspecified measures against Hamas after a coffin, purportedly containing a deceased body from Hamas, was found to contain remains not belonging to any of the missing hostages, exacerbating the tensions.
As the violence continues, humanitarian concerns grow, with reports of significant casualties among civilians and the emotional toll of families mourning their loved ones.
