Tensions Rise in Gaza as Ceasefire Shows Signs of Collapse

Gaza City – Renewed Israeli military strikes on the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least 68 Palestinians, amid rising concerns that the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is on the verge of collapse.

The Israeli government claimed that Hamas forces had targeted Israeli troops, leading to the retaliatory strikes, though no independent verification of the alleged attack was immediately available.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered “immediate, strong military action” in response to what his office described as threats against Israeli soldiers. Hamas, however, denied launching any attacks and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire, condemning Israel’s operations as a violation of the agreement.

Scenes from Gaza depict widespread destruction, with Civil Defence teams working tirelessly to rescue civilians trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue efforts are being carried out with limited equipment, often relying on manual tools and hands to retrieve those buried.

The Israeli military identified the deceased soldier as Master Sergeant Yona Efraim Feldbaum, 37, a member of the Combat Engineering Corps, who was killed in southern Gaza.

Addressing the situation during a flight from Japan to South Korea, U.S. President Donald Trump said the Israeli response was understandable if their troops had been targeted, emphasizing that Hamas must act responsibly to maintain peace.

The escalating violence has raised international concern over the stability of the ceasefire and the potential for further conflict in the region.