Israel and Hamas exchanged accusations following a new wave of violence that shattered a fragile nine-day ceasefire.According to Palestinian health officials, at least 13 people were killed and dozens injured after Israeli airstrikes hit several areas across the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli military said the strikes were launched in retaliation for what it described as “aggressive actions” by Hamas militants, including mortar fire and explosive attacks targeting Israeli troops near the border.In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it “will not tolerate any violation of the ceasefire and will respond forcefully to protect its citizens.” The military added that its strikes targeted Hamas weapons storage sites and command positions.Hamas, however, denied launching any attacks and accused Israel of deliberately escalating tensions to undermine ongoing reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in the enclave.
A spokesperson for the group called the Israeli strikes “a blatant breach of the ceasefire and a crime against the Palestinian people.”The renewed hostilities have sparked fears of a return to full-scale conflict, just over a week after international mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, brokered the truce aimed at halting months of fighting.Witnesses in Gaza described scenes of chaos as rescue teams worked through the night to pull survivors from the rubble.
Local authorities said several of the victims were civilians, including children.As both sides traded blame, international observers urged restraint and called for immediate steps to restore calm and prevent a collapse of the ceasefire.