Israel resumes strikes on Gaza killing 100 as fragile ceasefire teeters
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Israel said on Wednesday that the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip had resumed following a wave of intense airstrikes that killed more than 100 Palestinians, including children, according to health officials in the enclave.
The Israeli military said it had “begun the renewed enforcement” of the fragile truce after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered what he called “powerful” strikes in response to alleged Hamas violations of the ceasefire.
Dozens of targets were hit across Gaza in what residents described as the heaviest bombardment since the truce took effect.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes came after Hamas fighters allegedly attacked Israeli soldiers near Rafah, in the southern part of the Strip.
Dr. Khalil al-Daqran, spokesperson for Gaza’s Health Ministry, said more than 104 people, including over 40 children and 20 women, were killed in the attacks, while at least 250 others were injured.
The IDF confirmed the death of an Israeli reservist, Master Sgt. (Res.) Yona Efraim Feldbaum, 37, who also held an American passport.
Hamas denied involvement in the alleged Rafah attack, accusing Israel of “a flagrant violation” of the truce and urging international mediators to intervene.
The ceasefire, partially brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, had aimed to halt months of fighting between Israel and Hamas following heavy civilian casualties and regional pressure for de-escalation.
Despite periodic truces, both sides have accused each other of violations, with Israel maintaining a tight blockade on Gaza and Hamas insisting that ceasefire terms include reconstruction aid and prisoner releases.
Renewed violence now threatens to unravel mediation efforts led by Washington, Cairo, and Doha.