Israeli Airstrikes Kill Over 100 in Gaza After Soldier’s Death Amid Ceasefire Tensions

Israeli Airstrikes Kill Over 100 in Gaza After Soldier’s Death Amid Ceasefire Tensions
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Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed over 100 people, targeting multiple sites including weapons depots, tunnels, and a Hamas commander’s location. Among the dead were women and children, with entire families reportedly wiped out in overnight attacks that flattened homes in the central and northern Gaza Strip.

More details in the following report:
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Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed at least 104 people on Wednesday, Gaza health officials said, in the deadliest escalation since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect earlier this month, as reported by Reuters. The bombardment followed the killing of an Israeli soldier on Tuesday, which Israel blamed on gunmen operating inside a designated buffer zone under the truce.

The Israeli military described the attacks as a “targeted response,” striking dozens of Hamas-linked sites across the enclave, including weapons depots and tunnels. It said 24 militant targets were hit, among them a Hamas commander allegedly involved in the October 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel that sparked the war. Additional strikes were reported in Beit Lahia, where Israel claimed weapons were being stored; medics confirmed two deaths there.

Gaza’s health ministry said women and children were among those killed, while the Hamas-run media office accused Israel of spreading “misinformation” to justify attacks on civilians. In Nusseirat, central Gaza, residents said an overnight strike destroyed the home of the Abu Dalal family, killing all members inside.

Despite the bombardment, Israel said it remained committed to the ceasefire agreement, pledging to uphold the truce while responding “firmly” to any violations. U.S. President Donald Trump, who brokered the deal during his second term, said the ceasefire was not at risk, describing Israel’s actions as justified retaliation.

The recent strikes have raised concerns among mediators, including Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, who called the renewed violence “disappointing and frustrating.”

Under the truce, Hamas released all living hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, while Israel suspended major operations and withdrew troops. However, disputes remain over the return of hostages’ remains and future security arrangements, as residents fear that the latest wave of airstrikes could unravel the fragile calm.