At least 33 Palestinians were killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Tuesday, according to the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency and hospital officials. The strikes hit residential areas in Gaza City, Beit Lahia, al-Bureij, Nuseirat, and Khan Younis, leaving homes and schools in ruins.
Israel said the air raids were a response to violations of the US-brokered ceasefire, accusing Hamas of attacking Israeli soldiers and breaking the agreement to return the bodies of deceased hostages. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Hamas had crossed a “bright red line” and vowed that the group would “pay many times over” for its actions.
However, Hamas denied any involvement in the alleged attacks on Israeli troops, claiming it “had no connection” to the incident and reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire deal.
US President Donald Trump insisted that “nothing” would jeopardise the ceasefire but added that Israel “should hit back” if its soldiers were targeted.
Witnesses reported powerful explosions in several parts of Gaza following the Israeli strikes, including in the Sabra neighbourhood, where a home belonging to the al-Banna family was hit, killing four people, including three women. Strikes also reportedly hit the courtyard of al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City.
In Khan Younis, five people, among them two children and a woman, died when a vehicle was struck on al-Qassam Street. The Civil Defence agency said rescue teams were operating “under extremely difficult conditions” amid continued bombing and a lack of equipment, warning that the death toll could rise as more people remain trapped under the rubble.
As international mediators urge restraint, the situation in Gaza remains volatile, with both sides trading blame for the latest escalation despite ongoing efforts to uphold the fragile ceasefire.
