At least 25 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the Hamas-run health ministry has reported, marking one of the deadliest days since the ceasefire was enacted five weeks ago.
Among the casualties, ten were killed when an Israeli strike hit a ministry of religious endowments building in eastern Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, according to rescuers.
The Israeli military stated that it targeted Hamas terrorist targets in response to gunfire directed toward Israeli troops operating in southern Khan Younis, asserting this violated the ceasefire agreement.
In reaction, Hamas criticized the claims, labeling the airstrikes a dangerous escalation that threatens the ceasefire. The spike in violence comes shortly after the UN Security Council passed a resolution endorsing a peace plan for Gaza put forth by US President Donald Trump.
Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesman for the Civil Defence agency in Gaza, reported that the airstrikes hit multiple locations, with significant damage caused to the religious endowments ministry building and surrounding structures. Videos showed rescue workers unearthing individuals trapped under the rubble.
The attacks also reportedly resulted in the deaths of three young children, with several other individuals injured in various incidents across Gaza City and Khan Younis.
According to the Israel Defense Forces, they struck back at what they described as terrorist targets in a necessary response to previous gunfire. They highlighted that their actions were imperative for national security following a pattern of ceasefire violations.
The situation raises serious concerns, as it jeopardizes the fragile ceasefire and escalates tensions in an already volatile region that has seen significant casualties since the conflict reignited in October 2023.
