Hospitals in Gaza reported that Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 30 Palestinians on Saturday, marking one of the highest casualties since the ceasefire agreement came into effect in October. Following Israel’s accusations of ceasefire violations by Palestinian militant group Hamas, the strikes targeted various locations in Gaza, including an apartment building in Gaza City and a tent camp in Khan Younis, as confirmed by hospital officials who received the deceased.
Among the casualties were two women and six children from separate families. A strike on a police station in Gaza City led to the deaths of at least 14 individuals and injuries to others, according to Dr. Mohamed Abu Salmiya, the director of Al-Shifa Hospital. The Israeli military stated that their targets were Hamas and Islamic Jihad commanders and sites in response to what they deemed a breach of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Hamas, controlling part of Gaza, claimed that Israel had violated the truce but did not specify if any of its members or facilities were hit in the attacks on Saturday.
Footage showed extensive damage to an apartment within a multi-story building, with charred walls, debris inside and outside on the streets of Gaza City. The strikes on Saturday serve as a grim reminder that the death toll in Gaza continues to climb despite the ceasefire in place.
The strikes also occurred just before the scheduled opening of the Rafah crossing along the Egyptian border, a critical lifeline for many in Gaza seeking medical treatment outside the region. The opening of this crossing, albeit limited initially, marks a significant development in the ongoing ceasefire process brokered by the U.S.
Since the ceasefire began in October, Gaza health officials have reported that Israeli actions have led to the deaths of over 500 individuals, predominantly civilians. Palestinian militants have also been responsible for the deaths of four Israeli soldiers post-truce. Both sides have exchanged accusations of ceasefire violations, while international pressure mounts for the ceasefire deal to progress towards lasting peace.
The next phase of the ceasefire deal involves contentious issues like Hamas disarmament, further Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the potential deployment of an international peacekeeping force, as outlined in U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his opposition to Palestinian statehood, despite increasing global calls for its recognition.