Deadly Airstrikes

Israeli warplanes struck locations in Gaza on Monday, killing at least 12 Palestinians, according to health officials in the enclave. The attacks hit the densely populated Gaza City and the Maghazi refugee camp, causing extensive damage and leaving dozens injured, many of them women and children.

The Israeli military said the operation was necessary to degrade Hamas’s operational capabilities. Witnesses described scenes of panic as families fled their homes amid the thunderous explosions.

Israel’s Justification

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation, saying it targeted “terrorist infrastructure” linked to Hamas. An IDF spokesperson said the strikes were a response to Hamas’s rocket fire earlier that day, which Israel said broke a three‑week‑old truce mediated by Egypt and Qatar. The military accused Hamas of embedding its assets in civilian areas, complicating response.

Hamas Response

Hamas denied firing rockets and accused Israel of fabricating pretexts for aggression. A Hamas spokesman said, “The Zionist enemy exploits minor incidents to justify brutal attacks.” The group warned the strikes would fuel resistance and called for Palestinian unity against occupation.

International Concern

The United Nations Middle East envoy called for immediate restraint and a return to the truce. The U.S. State Department expressed deep concern over civilian casualties and urged an independent investigation. Egypt, a key mediator, engaged in back‑channel talks, while Qatar appealed for calm and dialogue to prevent escalation.

Background of the Truce

The fragile cease‑fire was brokered in early November after an 11‑day war that killed over 1,200 Palestinians and dozens of Israelis. The agreement included a cessation of hostilities, the reopening of humanitarian corridors, and Israeli commitments to ease the blockade on goods and people. Both sides, however, have repeatedly blamed each other for violations, with Hamas citing ongoing Israeli incursions and Israel pointing to intermittent rocket fire.

Humanitarian Crisis

Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have endured a crippling blockade since Hamas assumed power in 2007. The latest violence has worsened shortages of food, medicine, and clean water. UNRWA warned that the health system is near collapse, with hospitals overwhelmed and supplies exhausted. Rescue teams combed through rubble for survivors, while paramedics at al‑Shifa hospital lamented the lack of basic equipment.

Broader Implications

As tensions soar, protests erupted in West Bank cities and mass rallies were held in Jordan and Lebanon, demanding an end to Israeli strikes. Analysts caution that a complete truce collapse could trigger a full‑scale war, displacing thousands and further destabilizing the region. The path forward remains uncertain, with deep distrust and unresolved issues of security, blockade, and Palestinian statehood.

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