Ceasefire Violations Reported as Fighting Resumes in Gaza, Leaving Dozens Dead
GAZA CITY – Accusations of ceasefire violations flew between Israel and Hamas on Sunday as fighting resumed in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of at least 33 Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers, according to reports from the region.
Civil defense authorities operating under Hamas control reported 21 Palestinian deaths in Israeli raids across the territory, including in Khan Younes, Rafah, and beit Lahya. Images from Agence France-Presse (AFP) showed injured individuals and bodies being transported to a hospital in Deir Al-Balah, in central Gaza.
Earlier reports from Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesperson for civil defense, indicated a death toll of 15. Bassal stated that six Palestinians were killed in an Israeli strike in Al-Zawayda, targeting a “group of civilians” displaced from northern areas of Gaza.
Another strike near Khan Younes reportedly killed a woman and two children who were living in tents as displaced persons. Bassal also reported two deaths each in Al-Zawayda, Nousseirat, and Jabaliya.
Later in the afternoon, civil defense reported an additional six deaths, including children, resulting from two further Israeli strikes. The Israeli army told AFP it was verifying these claims.
The renewed fighting comes after a period of ceasefire intended to facilitate aid delivery and potential negotiations. Both Israel and Hamas have accused the other of initiating the violence and violating the terms of the agreement. The circumstances surrounding the resumption of hostilities remain contested.
