Israel Bombs Gaza Despite Ceasefire, Killing 30 Palestinians

The death toll from the latest Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 30, according to Mahmoud Bassal, spokesperson for the Gaza Civil Defense.

“At least 30 people have been killed and dozens more were injured following Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip. Our teams are still working to recover bodies and the injured from under the rubble,” Bassal told AFP.

Earlier on Tuesday, Bassal had reported that at least nine people, including women and children, were killed in separate strikes throughout the day.
The reported attacks included:

• A strike on a residential building in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City
• A strike on a civilian vehicle in Khan Younis, southern Gaza
• A strike on a refugee tent in the Zawaya area of central Gaza

Observers say the latest round of Israeli airstrikes appears to continue Israel’s long-standing policy of military escalation in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the strikes following an alleged attack on Israeli troops in Rafah, an incident that Hamas has denied.

In a statement, Hamas said it had “no connection to the incident in Rafah” and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement signed in Sharm El-Sheikh under the auspices of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The group condemned what it described as “criminal bombardment by the occupying army,” calling it a “blatant violation of the ceasefire.” Hamas also urged international mediators to “take immediate action to pressure the occupying forces, stop their attacks on civilians, and ensure full compliance with the ceasefire terms.”

The situation in Gaza remains tense, with fears of further escalation if the strikes continue.