The Gaza ceasefire escalation shocked many on Wednesday night as Israeli strikes left at least 28 Palestinians dead.
Health officials said nine children were among those killed, while more than 70 others were injured.
The deadliest strike was reported in Gaza City’s Zaytun area, where ten people, including a woman and a child, were killed.
These events were described as deeply “unexpected” by aid workers on the ground.
The Israel Defense Forces said the strikes were carried out after “several terrorists” fired at Israeli soldiers near Khan Younis.
The IDF added that the shooting “constitutes a violation of the ceasefire agreement.”
However, no Israeli soldiers were injured. Hamas rejected the IDF’s account and condemned the attack as “a dangerous escalation.”
It also accused Israel of trying to “justify its ongoing crimes and violations.”
Furthermore, Hamas called on the United States to apply “immediate, serious pressure” to stop Israel from breaking the deal.
This reaction followed the recent UN Security Council endorsement of a US plan aimed at supporting long-term calm and helping rebuild the damaged territory.
In addition, officials said another strike hit an area west of Khan Younis, where a group of civilians had gathered inside a UNRWA club.
The ongoing tension has now marked the third major flare-up since the ceasefire began in October.
The two earlier escalations resulted in about 150 Palestinian deaths and three Israeli soldiers killed.
Israel’s war in Gaza began after the October 7, 2023 attack, when Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages.
As part of the current truce, Hamas released all living hostages and returned most of the bodies of those who died.
Israel also pulled back from some areas and released several Palestinian prisoners.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes were also carried out in southern Lebanon.
The IDF said the attacks targeted Hezbollah weapons storage sites.
A day earlier, a strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon killed 13 people. Israeli officials claimed it was “a Hamas training compound.”
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the latest strikes damaged homes but caused no casualties.
The attacks continued even though a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect in late 2024.
