Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The Israeli military announced it has resumed the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, following renewed airstrikes that left nearly 100 Palestinians dead in less than 12 hours, according to Gaza’s Civil Defense Authority. The escalation marks one of the deadliest episodes since the ceasefire took effect.
The Israeli army said the strikes were launched in response to what it described as an attack by Hamas fighters on Israeli soldiers stationed near the southern border. The Palestinian group, however, denied involvement, accusing Israel of violating the truce and using the incident as a pretext for renewed aggression.
Local health and rescue officials reported that the overnight bombardment targeted several residential areas across Gaza, killing about 100 people, including roughly 35 children. Entire families were reportedly buried under the rubble as rescue teams struggled to reach survivors amid continuing air raids.
In a statement, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the death of one of its soldiers, identified as 37-year-old Yonah Ephraim Feldbaum, who was killed in combat in southern Gaza on Tuesday. The IDF said its latest operations were aimed at “neutralizing hostile threats” and ensuring the safety of its troops.
Hamas Denies Responsibility, Calls for International Pressure
Hamas issued a statement denying any involvement in the Rafah incident that Israel cited as justification for its attacks. The group reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement, accusing Israel of “blatantly violating” the truce through continued airstrikes and the ongoing closure of the Rafah border crossing.
“The recent escalation reflects Israel’s determination to undermine and sabotage the ceasefire,” Hamas said, calling on international mediators to “act immediately to pressure Israel to halt its aggression against civilians and honor its obligations under the agreement.”
United Nations Condemns Strikes, Urges Adherence to Ceasefire
At the United Nations, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric condemned the Israeli airstrikes and the civilian casualties that resulted. “The Secretary-General strongly condemns all actions that undermine the ceasefire and endanger the lives of civilians in Gaza,” Dujarric said, stressing the need for all parties to fully adhere to the truce and avoid further escalation.
U.S. Response
Commenting on the developments, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Israel had the right to respond if its soldiers were attacked, but maintained that the overall ceasefire agreement would remain in place. “Members of Hamas killed an Israeli soldier, and Israel is responding and it should respond,” Trump told reporters. “But the ceasefire itself is not in danger.”
As calm tentatively returns following the Israeli army’s announcement, humanitarian agencies have renewed calls for both sides to de-escalate and protect civilians, warning that repeated flare-ups risk collapsing the fragile truce entirely.
