The fragile ceasefire in Gaza faced its most serious test yet on Sunday as Israel launched a series of airstrikes across the enclave, killing dozens and blocking aid deliveries.
The Israeli military said the attacks targeted militants in Rafah who had opened fire on its soldiers, destroying tunnels and military buildings. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel would “retaliate forcefully” to Hamas attacks.
In a statement, Hamas’ armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire and denied involvement in the clashes in Rafah.
“We affirm our full commitment to implementing all agreements, foremost among them the ceasefire across all areas of the Gaza Strip,” the group said, adding that it has not been in contact with any other armed factions in Rafah since March.
Palestinian medics and witnesses reported explosions and heavy gunfire across southern and central Gaza, including in Rafah, Khan Younis, and Deir Al-Balah. Gaza’s Health Ministry said at least 51 Palestinians, including several children, were killed in the latest wave of strikes.
Among the dead were five civilians killed in a double-tap drone strike on a café in Deir Al-Balah, four civilians killed in the al-Bureij refugee camp, four killed in the Sardi school, and six more in artillery shelling on al-Zawaida Beach.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes followed what it called a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire after Hamas allegedly attacked Israeli soldiers in Rafah, killing two and wounding three others.
Meanwhile, Gaza officials accused Israel of exploiting the alleged incident to launch fresh assaults and block humanitarian aid, further worsening conditions in the war-torn territory.
The truce, brokered under a U.S.-led peace plan, came into effect on October 11 and has been described as Gaza’s best chance for lasting calm after two years of war.
