Israeli warplanes struck multiple targets across the Gaza Strip late Tuesday, marking the first major breach of a three-week-old truce after Israel accused Hamas of launching an attack on Israeli forces.
Local health authorities reported at least 26 fatalities, including families in the Bureij refugee camp, residents in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood, and civilians in Khan Younis. Witnesses say raids continued into early Wednesday, spanning north to south.
The deal—brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump and enforced since October 10—aimed to halt escalating violence triggered by deadly Hamas-led attacks on Israel last month. An Israeli military spokesperson claimed Hamas fighters violated the ceasefire by engaging troops in an Israeli-controlled sector of the enclave.
“This is yet another blatant violation of the ceasefire,” said an unnamed Israeli official, echoing a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering “powerful attacks” in response.
Hamas denied responsibility for an alleged assault near Rafah on Tuesday and affirmed its commitment to the truce. Both sides have traded accusations of sporadic skirmishes, creating a fragile calm.
Speaking from Capitol Hill, U.S. Vice President JD Vance stressed that brief flare-ups were expected but expressed confidence the ceasefire would hold. “We know that Hamas or somebody else within Gaza attacked an Israeli soldier. We expect the Israelis are going to respond, but I think the president’s peace is going to hold,” he told reporters.
As tensions simmer, residents and analysts alike will be watching whether this episode marks a temporary blip or the beginning of renewed confrontation in the region.
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Israel strikes Gaza after accusing Hamas of violating ceasefire
cgtn.com
