Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Result in 20 Deaths Amid Ceasefire Tensions

Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Saturday led to the deaths of at least 20 Palestinians and injured more than 80, according to local health officials, escalating tensions during a precarious ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Eyewitnesses and medical personnel reported that the initial strike targeted a vehicle in the densely populated Rimal neighborhood, igniting a fire. It remains unclear whether all five fatalities were passengers or included nearby bystanders. Residents and first responders rushed to extinguish the flames and aid the victims.

Following this, the Israeli air force conducted two additional strikes on residential homes in Deir al-Balah city and the Nuseirat refugee camp, located in central Gaza. These attacks resulted in at least 10 deaths and multiple injuries, health workers confirmed.

Later the same day, another Israeli airstrike hit a home in western Gaza City, killing at least five Palestinians and causing further casualties, bringing the total death toll for Saturday to no fewer than 20.

The Israeli military accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire by allowing a gunman to infiltrate Israeli-controlled Gaza territory, exploiting a humanitarian corridor used for aid deliveries in southern Gaza. The military termed this a "blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement" and stated that its strikes were in response to this breach.

Conversely, a Hamas official dismissed the allegations as unfounded, calling them an "excuse to kill" and emphasized the group’s commitment to the ceasefire.

Since the ceasefire was established on October 10, following more than six weeks of intense conflict, both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violations. Hamas has urged international mediators and the United States to hold Israel accountable for "escalating violations," while Israel has demanded that Hamas adhere to the ceasefire terms by releasing the remaining three deceased hostages and proceeding with disarmament measures.

The ceasefire initially eased hostilities, allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to devastated areas of Gaza. Israeli forces withdrew from urban positions, and humanitarian aid deliveries increased. Nonetheless, sporadic violence has persisted amid concerns that Hamas is attempting to strengthen its influence, and fears have grown regarding a potential de facto territorial division under dire conditions.

Palestinian health authorities report that Israeli strikes have killed 316 people in Gaza since the ceasefire began, while Israel states that three of its soldiers have died and numerous militants have been targeted since the truce’s enforcement.

The conflict traces back to October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched an assault that killed approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 hostages in southern Israel. Israel’s subsequent military response has resulted in over 69,700 Palestinian deaths, largely civilians, according to Gaza health officials.

As part of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas released all 20 surviving hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees held by Israel. Moreover, Hamas agreed to return the remains of 28 deceased hostages in swap for the bodies of 360 Palestinian fighters killed during the war. To date, the remains of 25 hostages have been returned, while Israel has repatriated 330 Palestinian bodies, according to Gaza’s health ministry.