91 Palestinians killed in Gaza as Israeli strikes raise ceasefire concerns
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Gaza City: At least 91 Palestinians, including 35 children, were killed in overnight Israeli air and artillery strikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, prompting fears of a breakdown in the US-brokered ceasefire agreement.
Medical sources told Al Jazeera Arabic that casualties included civilians sheltering in a school in Beit Lahiya and tents for displaced families in al-Mawasi. Gaza’s civil defence spokesperson Mahmud Basal told AFP that rescue teams were still retrieving bodies and survivors from the rubble following what he described as “intense overnight bombardments.”
According to Anadolu Agency, Israeli strikes targeted homes, tents sheltering displaced civilians, a vehicle, a shelter, and a hospital within the designated “yellow line” zone. The escalation followed an order from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who instructed the military to launch “immediate and forceful strikes” after meeting with his top security minister.
Israel claimed the operation was in response to a ceasefire breach by Hamas, alleging that its fighters opened fire on Israeli troops in Rafah. Hamas denied the accusation, stating it remained committed to the truce.
The Israeli military confirmed the death of a 37-year-old soldier in southern Gaza. In response, Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, postponed the planned handover of a hostage’s body, citing “occupation violations.” Netanyahu condemned the move as a “clear breach” of the ceasefire terms.
Despite the rising death toll, US President Donald Trump maintained that the ceasefire remained intact. Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to South Korea, Trump said, “Nothing is going to jeopardise the ceasefire,” and defended Israel’s actions as a justified response.
The ceasefire, part of Trump’s 20-point Middle East peace plan, came into effect on 10 October after prolonged negotiations. However, Gaza authorities have accused Israel of violating the agreement 125 times, resulting in 94 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Since the conflict began on 7 October 2023, Gaza’s death toll has reached 68,531, with over 170,000 injured. Thousands remain missing under the debris of bombed neighbourhoods as rescue efforts continue.