In a shocking escalation, Israel attacks Gaza despite ceasefire, leaving at least 30 Palestinians dead and dozens wounded in one of the deadliest days since a US-brokered truce began on October 10. The violence has shattered hopes for calm, highlighting the fragility of the ceasefire and the high stakes for civilians caught in the crossfire.
Medics reported that a single airstrike on a house in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Younis, killed three people, including a baby girl, and wounded 15 others. Multiple attacks across the Gaza Strip drove the overall death toll for the day above 30, with families and residents struggling to evacuate under relentless bombardment.
Hamas denounced the attacks as a “dangerous escalation” and called on the United States to rein in Israel, pointing to President Trump’s role in orchestrating the original ceasefire and security guarantees. The Gaza health authorities report that Israel’s ongoing military operations have contributed to a broader humanitarian disaster, with at least 69,546 Palestinians killed and 170,833 wounded since October 2023.
In Israel, the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks killed 1,139 civilians and took about 200 people captive, which has framed Israel’s justification for continued military action. Still, the disproportionate impact on Palestinian civilians raises serious questions about the sustainability of the truce.
Since the October 10 ceasefire, reports indicate repeated breaches. Israeli strikes have continued to hit residential areas, health facilities, and infrastructure, undermining the ceasefire’s intent to provide a temporary lull. Humanitarian agencies warn that, despite formal agreements, the conflict on the ground continues to devastate ordinary lives.
The repeated attacks also cast doubt on Israel’s commitment to the truce. While the military asserts that its operations target Hamas militants responsible for prior attacks, observers argue that these actions frequently extend into civilian areas, causing unnecessary suffering and destabilizing the region.
The attacks have triggered strong reactions internationally. Hamas called for U.S. intervention to curb Israel’s operations, emphasizing that the ceasefire cannot hold if violations persist. Analysts note that continued violence risks eroding trust in diplomatic solutions, leaving civilians exposed to further harm.
For Israel, the strikes could undermine its international support, as repeated breaches of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire challenge the narrative that its military operations are strictly defensive. In Gaza, civilians face the impossible choice of fleeing or remaining under threat, while infrastructure damage compounds an already dire humanitarian situation.
The latest escalation underscores the human toll of the conflict. Families in Gaza struggle with loss and displacement, hospitals are overwhelmed, and communities live under constant fear of sudden attacks. The death of a baby in Bani Suhaila exemplifies the indiscriminate nature of airstrikes, while the broader casualty figures reflect a conflict that shows little sign of slowing.
The ceasefire, intended to create a window of relative safety, now appears precarious. Without robust monitoring or enforcement, the truce risks becoming another temporary pause before the next wave of violence erupts.
The fact that Israel attacks Gaza despite ceasefire highlights the urgent need for international intervention and accountability. With at least 30 Palestinians killed in a single day and continued civilian casualties, the ceasefire’s promise of protection feels increasingly hollow. Unless stronger measures are taken, Gaza’s civilians remain trapped in a cycle of violence, while the fragile truce risks collapse.
