A fresh wave of airstrikes by Israel in the Gaza Strip has left dozens of Palestinians dead, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency, even as US President Donald Trump insisted that a cease-fire remains intact between Israel and Hamas.
The Strike and Casualty Reports
The Hamas-run civil defence agency in Gaza reported that Israeli strikes killed “33 +” civilians in one day of operations. Meanwhile, independent verification of the exact toll remains difficult due to restricted access and the chaotic environment.
Reports indicate that the strikes hit multiple locations across the Gaza Strip, including densely populated residential areas and refugee camps.
Israel’s Justification
Israeli officials say the attacks were in response to alleged violations by Hamas, including sniper fire and rocket attacks targeting Israeli troops. The Israeli military framed the strikes as a justified retaliation under the terms of the cease-fire understanding.
“We will respond when our troops are attacked,” an Israeli military spokesperson said, emphasizing that the truce is not a blank cheque for violence.
Trump’s Position
President Trump, who helped negotiate and endorse the cease-fire arrangement, maintained publicly that “nothing will jeopardise” the deal.
“Yes, the cease-fire remains in place,” he told reporters. “However, Israel has the right — and duty — to defend itself when attacked.”
Reuters
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Why the Cease-fire Is Under Strain
The deal has faced pressure from both sides:
Israel argues that Hamas has repeatedly breached the truce by targeting W. Israeli forces and refusing to comply with hostage-return mandates.
Hamas and Palestinian authorities claim that Israeli strikes on civilian infrastructure, slow humanitarian access, and delay in fulfilling obligations constitute major violations of the agreement.
These diverging narratives are fueling fears that the truce may collapse.
Humanitarian & Regional Impact
With killings reported in residential and civilian zones, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating further. Hospitals struggle with influxes of wounded, while aid delivery remains precarious.
Regional actors and international observers express growing concern that renewed escalation could trigger broader instability across the Middle East.
What’s Next?
Diplomatic efforts: US and regional mediators are reportedly working to re-tighten oversight of the cease-fire and press both parties to avoid further escalations.
Monitoring and accountability: Calls are increasing for independent verification of strikes and civilian casualties, to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law.
Risk of collapse: If either side perceives the deal as no longer credible, there is a high risk of full-scale return to conflict — which would have severe consequences for Gaza’s already fragile civilian population.
Conclusion
While President Trump remains publicly optimistic about the truce’s durability, the mounting death toll and conflicting accusations suggest the cease-fire is under serious strain. With civilians once more bearing the brunt of violence, the urgency for transparent diplomacy, humanitarian protection and adherence to the agreement has never been greater.
