Israeli airstrikes overnight killed more than 100 people in the Gaza Strip, breaking a fragile cease-fire and reigniting one of the most destructive phases of the conflict in months.
Health officials in Gaza reported at least 104 deaths, including 35 children, after several neighborhoods in Gaza City and Khan Younis were hit. The strikes followed what Israel described as a violation of the truce, involving the killing of one of its soldiers in southern Gaza.
Israel’s government said the bombardment was a targeted military response against militant positions and justified the operation as necessary to prevent further attacks. Inside Gaza, local rescue teams and civil defense workers struggled to recover bodies from collapsed buildings, describing the aftermath as catastrophic.
The renewed violence disrupted aid operations that had resumed under the cease-fire, with humanitarian agencies temporarily suspending convoys and assessments. The truce, backed by the United States, had been intended to allow limited relief supplies and to facilitate negotiations over the release of hostages.
In Washington, the U.S. administration maintained its position that Israel has a right to defend itself while urging both sides to prevent further escalation.
Hamas rejected Israel’s account of the truce violation and accused the Israeli military of using the incident as justification for renewed attacks.
Analysts say the situation risks deepening Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and eroding international support for Israel’s campaign.
