Fresh Israeli strikes hit Gaza amid ceasefire violations, dozens reported killed

59 minutes ago
Fresh Israeli strikes hit Gaza amid ceasefire violations, dozens reported killed

By Elham Asaad Buaras

London, (The Muslim News): Israeli forces have launched a series of deadly air strikes across central and southern Gaza, blaming Hamas for an attack that killed two soldiers. The Palestinian Civil Defence agency reports at least 40 Palestinians were killed on Sunday, with attacks hitting a school sheltering displaced civilians and multiple residential areas.

The strikes have sparked fears of a full-scale return to hostilities in the famine-stricken territory, which had experienced a fragile ceasefire. Israel’s military stated it was “fully enforcing the ceasefire” but would respond firmly to any violations, following what it called a “blatant violation” by Hamas. Hamas has denied any involvement, calling Israel’s claims, “false and baseless” and reiterating its commitment to the truce.

DETAILS OF THE ATTACKS

The bombardment was widespread, with significant casualties reported from multiple locations:

Central Gaza: A strike on a coffee shop in Al-Zawayda killed six, while another on a house killed one. In the Nuseirat refugee camp, a tent inside a school was hit, killing four and injuring 13, including children. Separate strikes in the camp killed eight more.

Northern Gaza: An Israeli drone strike killed two people near Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia.

Southern Gaza: Five Palestinians were killed when a displacement tent was struck west of Khan Younis. The Israeli army also launched a “belt of fire” towards the eastern parts of the city.

Other Areas: A house in the Bureij refugee camp was bombed, killing four, and a residential apartment in Gaza City was hit, killing two.

AID AND DIPLOMACY UNDER PRESSURE

In a rapid reversal following US pressure, Israel backtracked on a decision to suspend all humanitarian aid to Gaza. After a call from Washington, Tel Aviv pledged to reopen the territory’s crossings for aid on Monday.

A key sticking point in the diplomatic efforts remains the return of hostages. Israel says it is still waiting for Hamas to hand over the bodies of 16 deceased hostages before it will discuss the next phase of the US-sponsored peace plan. The ceasefire deal, brokered by US President Donald Trump, envisions a phased hostage-prisoner exchange, the rebuilding of Gaza, and a new governing mechanism without Hamas.

SETTLER VIOLENCE CONTINUES IN THE WEST BANK

Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, a video circulated on social media showed an illegal Israeli settler violently assaulting an elderly Palestinian woman, Afaf Saleh Abu Alia, as she harvested olives east of Ramallah. The footage showed the masked settler beating her on the head with a stick until she collapsed.

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese condemned the attack, stating on X: “For 2 years, the world has seen scenes like this from the West Bank… Hatred of Hamas is one thing, but do they not feel some obligation to act to stop their fellow citizens behaving like criminals on the loose?”

Separately, one Palestinian was critically injured by Israeli gunfire in the Jalazone refugee camp.

Data from the Colonisation and Wall Resistance Commission reveals the scale of the violence: over two years, illegal settlers have carried out 7,154 assaults, killing 34 Palestinians and displacing 33 Bedouin communities. Since the Gaza war began, local authorities report over 1,056 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank.

The human cost of the conflict remains staggering. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israel’s military offensive has now killed at least 68,159 people and wounded over 170,203 since October 2023.

[Photo: Palestinians mourn loss of their family members killed by Israeli forces. Debris and damaged equipment are seen after an Israeli airstrike targeted a building used by journalists in the Al-Zawaida area of Gaza, killing two people including one journalist, despite the ongoing ceasefire, in Gaza City, Gaza on October 19, 2025. Photojournalist: Mohammed Nassar/AA]