In a dramatic escalation of tension, the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas is on the verge of collapse after overnight Israeli airstrikes killed at least 30 people in Gaza, according to local health officials. The strikes were carried out late Tuesday in response to what Israel described as violations of the ongoing ceasefire agreement.
The Israeli military said the attacks targeted Hamas strongholds in Gaza City and Khan Younis, following a series of alleged provocations that included a sniper attack on Israeli troops and the disputed return of hostage remains. The strikes shattered weeks of uneasy calm since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire was reached in early October.
Israel’s government stated that it “acted in self-defence” after Hamas breached red lines of the truce. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly authorised the strikes following security consultations with the Defence Ministry and senior military officials.
Health authorities in Gaza reported that among the casualties were several women and children. Hospitals in the region have been overwhelmed, with emergency teams continuing to search for survivors under the debris of damaged buildings. Humanitarian agencies warned that any further escalation could push Gaza’s already fragile health infrastructure to collapse.
The United States, Qatar, and Egypt, who played crucial roles in negotiating the ceasefire, have intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent the situation from spiralling into a new phase of conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump said the ceasefire “remains technically in place,” but reiterated that Israel “has the right to defend itself if attacked.”
Meanwhile, Palestinian officials accused Israel of unilateral aggression, claiming that the airstrikes violated the truce terms and endangered civilians. Hamas described the attacks as “a deliberate provocation” aimed at sabotaging peace efforts.
Regional observers noted that the strikes mark the most severe breach of the truce so far. The ceasefire, which was intended to pave the way for a prisoner exchange and increased humanitarian aid, is now under severe strain. Aid deliveries through the Rafah crossing have slowed, and communication between the two sides remains limited.
The United Nations has called for restraint, warning that renewed fighting could trigger another humanitarian disaster in Gaza. International relief organisations estimate that tens of thousands of people remain displaced and that access to food, water, and medical supplies is becoming increasingly difficult.
Analysts believe that both sides still have incentives to maintain the ceasefire, given the exhaustion of resources and regional pressure to avoid another full-scale war. However, the latest violence has deepened mistrust and weakened confidence in diplomatic mediation.
Observers say the situation remains extremely volatile. Any further exchange of fire or civilian casualties could permanently derail the fragile agreement. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomatic channels can prevent a complete breakdown of the truce.
