Israeli Strikes Kill At Least 30 In Gaza Following Truce Breakdown Accusations
Israeli airstrikes on an apartment building and a tent camp in Gaza have killed at least 30 Palestinians, marking one of the deadliest days since the October ceasefire took effect. The strikes, which occurred early Saturday, targeted a residential building in Gaza City and a displacement camp in Khan Younis. Health officials and civil defense teams reported that the casualties included several children, with recovery operations ongoing in the debris.
The escalation comes just a day after Israeli officials accused Hamas of violating the terms of the truce agreement implemented on October 10. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated the operations were precise strikes aimed at Hamas and Islamic Jihad commanders, as well as weapons depots and rocket launching positions embedded within civilian infrastructure. An IDF spokesperson emphasized that the military acted to neutralize immediate threats following confirmed breaches of the ceasefire, reiterating accusations that militant groups continue to exploit civilian areas for operational cover.
Palestinian authorities and Hamas officials have condemned the attacks as a “flagrant violation” of the ceasefire accord. The Hamas-run health ministry reported that the strike in Khan Younis caused a fire that swept through tents housing displaced families, resulting in significant civilian loss. Critics and humanitarian groups on the ground have expressed alarm over the rising death toll, noting that despite the cessation of hostilities agreement, sporadic violence has reportedly killed over 400 Palestinians since October. This latest flare-up threatens to destabilize ongoing diplomatic efforts to solidify the truce and advance broader peace negotiations.
timesofisrael.com
mirror.co.uk
