In brief
On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes in northern and central Gaza killed at least 22 Palestinians, including a senior Hamas commander, as escalating violence continues despite a previously agreed ceasefire. Israeli military officials state the strikes were in response to an armed attack, while Hamas accuses Israel of breaching the truce. The toll of violence since the ceasefire has surpassed 310 deaths, raising urgent calls for mediation to restore peace.
At least 22 Palestinians have been killed in a series of Israeli air strikes across northern and central Gaza, according to Hamas medical and civil defense officials.
Five sites have been targeted, including residential homes, with reports indicating that among those killed was a senior Hamas commander.
The Israeli military stated that these strikes were a response to an incident earlier on Saturday when an armed terrorist allegedly fired upon soldiers after crossing into an area designated under full Israeli control. However, Hamas has denied these claims.
Both parties have accused each other of violating a ceasefire deal that was established six weeks ago.
Following these recent strikes, Gaza's health ministry reported over 310 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire commenced. The strikes specifically targeted Gaza City and other regions such as Deir al-Balah.
Reports suggest multiple fatalities near a mosque in Deir al-Balah and extensive damage done to residential properties in various areas. The Israeli government responded by calling the ceasefire violations a blatant breach by Hamas and urging mediators to enforce compliance.
The ongoing conflict has roots extending back to an earlier Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in substantial casualties on both sides, including around 1,200 Israeli fatalities and numerous hostages taken.
As violence continues, Hamas is calling for urgent intervention from international mediators and the United States, accusing Israel of trying to establish a new status quo that undermines the fragile peace agreement.
