29 Palestinians Killed in Gaza Strikes on Ceasefire Day
Israeli airstrikes across Gaza kill 29, including women and children, as tensions flare amid ceasefire violations.
At least 29 Palestinians were killed in Gaza on Saturday, marking one of the deadliest days since the October ceasefire aimed at halting hostilities, according to hospital officials in the territory. The casualties included six children and two women, resulting from strikes on multiple locations, including an apartment building in Gaza City, a tent camp in Khan Younis, and a police station. Shifa Hospital reported that 14 people died in the attack on the police station alone, including officers and detainees.
The strikes followed Israeli accusations of new ceasefire violations by Hamas. Israel’s military stated that Saturday’s operations were conducted in response to these breaches, including the killing of at least four militants attempting to emerge from a tunnel in the Rafah area under Israeli control. Hamas described the attacks as a “renewed flagrant violation” and called on the United States and other mediators to pressure Israel to halt its strikes.
Saturday’s violence coincided with the imminent opening of the Rafah crossing on Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, a key lifeline for residents seeking medical treatment outside the territory. The crossing has remained largely closed during the conflict, and its partial reopening is part of the second phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which also includes efforts to demilitarize Gaza and establish a new administration to oversee reconstruction.
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The Gaza Health Ministry, part of the Hamas-led government, reported that a fire broke out after the tent camp strike, killing seven members of a single family, including a father, his three children, and three grandchildren. Meanwhile, the apartment building attack in Gaza City claimed the lives of three children, their aunt, and grandmother. These casualties highlight the continued humanitarian toll despite ongoing ceasefire efforts.
Since the start of the ceasefire on October 10, Gaza’s Health Ministry has recorded 509 Palestinian deaths from Israeli fire. While the ceasefire has reduced large-scale fighting, incidents like Saturday’s strikes underscore the fragile nature of the agreement and the persistent risk of renewed violence. International observers and U.N. agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the urgent need for a durable resolution and protection of civilians.
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