Several people were killed and injured Tuesday evening after Israeli forces carried out air and artillery strikes across Gaza City and other parts of the enclave, marking a new violation of the ceasefire agreement, according to medical sources and field reporters.
A home in the Sabra neighbourhood, located within the designated “yellow line” area from which Israeli forces had previously withdrawn under the truce, was struck in the attack. Additional strikes were reported in the Shati refugee camp west of Gaza City, while artillery fire targeted areas east of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. Missiles also landed around the Shifa Medical Complex.
The escalation followed orders by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directing the army to launch “immediate, powerful strikes” in response to what Israel claims are ceasefire violations by Hamas.
The United Nations expressed alarm over the renewed attacks, stressing that maintaining calm was critical to safeguarding civilians and humanitarian operations. The UN warned that the situation must not “be set back” as parties are obliged to uphold the ceasefire.
Under the US-brokered agreement in place since Oct. 10, the truce forms part of a wider plan involving hostage releases, prisoner exchanges, and long-term reconstruction in Gaza. The latest violence risks undermining that framework.
Hamas, in turn, has warned that continued Israeli strikes will hinder ongoing search efforts for missing individuals and delay arrangements under the ceasefire. The group said the scheduled handover of an Israeli captive’s body would be postponed due to the renewed military operations.
International observers are watching closely to see whether the latest hostilities will tip the fragile agreement toward collapse, as both sides continue to trade accusations of violating the terms of the deal.
