The fragile ceasefire in Gaza is on the brink of collapse after Israel halted humanitarian aid deliveries and launched a series of airstrikes across the enclave. The decision followed accusations that Hamas violated the truce, sparking renewed fears of a full-scale conflict.
According to Israeli officials, the suspension of aid would remain in place “until further notice.” The announcement came just over a week after the U.S.-brokered ceasefire was implemented, aimed at ending nearly two years of devastating hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli Strikes Leave Dozens Dead
Following reports that Israeli troops came under fire in southern Gaza, the Israeli military carried out retaliatory airstrikes that killed at least 29 Palestinians, including several children. The attacks struck multiple locations across the strip, including the towns of Zawaida, Nuseirat, Bureij, and Khan Younis.
In Zawaida, a strike on a local coffeehouse killed six people, while another attack on the Nuseirat refugee camp wounded at least eight residents. Additional civilian casualties were reported in Bureij and Khan Younis, where entire families were reportedly among the victims.
Netanyahu Orders ‘Strong Action’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed the military to respond forcefully to any truce violations, though he stopped short of declaring a return to full-scale war. Israeli security officials stated that the decision to resume strikes was based on intelligence reports of Hamas activities in restricted zones.
Meanwhile, Egypt has intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent the ceasefire from collapsing completely. A senior Egyptian mediator confirmed that “round-the-clock” talks were underway to ease tensions and restore humanitarian access.
Hamas Denies Responsibility for Incidents
Hamas rejected Israel’s accusations, claiming that the group had lost communication with some of its units in Rafah and was not responsible for any recent attacks in Israeli-controlled areas. The group also accused Israel of repeatedly breaching the ceasefire through targeted strikes and blockades.
Amid the renewed violence, Israel confirmed that the remains of two hostages — an Israeli citizen and a Thai national — had been returned by Hamas overnight. The Palestinian group has so far handed over the bodies of 12 hostages, but Israeli officials say many others remain unaccounted for.
Ceasefire Talks in Cairo
Hamas negotiators have arrived in Cairo for discussions on the next phase of the ceasefire, which is expected to focus on disarmament, phased Israeli withdrawal, and postwar governance of Gaza. The reopening of the Rafah border crossing, closed since May after Israel took control of the Gaza side, remains one of the key points of contention.
Mounting Humanitarian Crisis
The renewed hostilities threaten to worsen Gaza’s already dire humanitarian situation. The enclave, devastated by nearly two years of conflict, remains largely uninhabitable. Since October 2023, more than 68,000 Palestinians and about 1,200 Israelis have been killed, according to humanitarian reports.
Aid agencies warn that halting relief supplies will push Gaza’s population deeper into crisis, leaving hospitals without essential medicines and families without food or clean water. International observers have called for restraint and the immediate restoration of humanitarian access to prevent further suffering.
As diplomatic efforts continue in Cairo, the fate of the ceasefire, and the lives of millions of Palestinians trapped in Gaza, hang in the balance.
