Gaza Strikes Kill Dozens as Ceasefire Tensions Rise

A wave of Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 32 people on Saturday, with civilians, including children and women, among the dead. The civil defence agency run by Hamas said the bombardment hit residential buildings, tents and shelters, including a tent shelter for displaced people in Khan Younis. The strikes were described as the heaviest since the second phase of the ceasefire took effect earlier this month.

Across Gaza City, Khan Younis and Rafah, multiple locations were hit as the Israeli military said it was acting in response to what it described as a Hamas violation of the truce. Targets included four Hamas commanders and additional fighters, a weapons storage facility, a weapons manufacturing site and two launch sites in central Gaza, as well as hits on civilian sites such as a police station. Among the casualties were women and children, with many displaced residents among those killed.

Hospitals, including Shifa in Gaza City, reported the wounded and described strained capacity as medical supplies ran low amid ongoing bombardment. The violence also underscored the political fragility of the ceasefire and the toll of renewed hostilities on civilians living near front-line areas.

The border reopening at Rafah, anticipated as part of broader ceasefire negotiations, loomed in the backdrop of the day’s events, with observers noting that diplomatic efforts to curb fighting had yet to yield durable restraint. Hamas condemned the strikes and urged the United States to intervene, while Israel argued it was targeting Hamas sites in response to violations.

With the ceasefire under renewed strain, civilians remaining in shelters face an uncertain outlook as the international community calls for de-escalation and greater humanitarian access.

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