Israel launched targeted air strikes on southern Gaza early Sunday, claiming that Hamas forces had violated the ongoing ceasefire agreement by attacking Israeli troops. The Israeli military described the alleged actions as a “bold violation” of the truce, which had been in place since October 10.
According to Israeli officials, Hamas fighters opened fire on Israeli soldiers stationed near the “yellow line” a demarcated area from which Israel had withdrawn as part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal. The attacks reportedly included sniper fire and rocket-propelled grenades.
In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a limited air operation aimed at what it described as “active militant targets” in the southern Gaza Strip.
Ceasefire Under Pressure
The ceasefire, brokered under a US-led peace initiative, was part of a wider 20-point plan intended to de-escalate a conflict that has gripped the region since late 2023. While Israel accused Hamas of aggression, Hamas rejected the claims and instead pointed to repeated ceasefire violations by Israeli forces.
A Hamas spokesperson stated, “We remain committed to the ceasefire. Israel’s actions, however, continue to undermine the agreement and provoke instability.”
Hostage and Prisoner Exchanges
As part of the ceasefire terms
• All surviving Israeli hostages captured during the October 2023 Hamas assault were released
• Twelve of the 28 deceased hostages were returned
• In return, Israel released 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1700 detainees from Gaza
• Additionally, 15 Palestinian bodies were exchanged for each deceased Israeli hostage
These developments had initially been seen as a positive step toward de-escalation.
Conflict Overview and Casualties
The conflict escalated significantly after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1200 people and taking over 250 hostages.
Since then, Israeli air and ground operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of more than 68000 Palestinians, according to figures from Gaza’s health ministry. These numbers have been acknowledged by United Nations sources as credible.
Although Israeli forces have withdrawn from certain areas of Gaza as per the truce agreement, they continue to control more than half of the territory.
Rising Internal Challenges in Gaza
Hamas, which has governed Gaza for nearly two decades, is reportedly facing growing pressure from rival armed groups including the Abu Shabab Popular Forces. Hamas has accused Israel of covertly supporting these groups to destabilize its authority.
In an attempt to maintain order, Hamas has recalled approximately 7000 security personnel to active duty. Local sources report increased internal tension and incidents involving looting of humanitarian aid, which Hamas blames on militias allegedly linked to Israeli interests.
There are also growing concerns that in the absence of international peacekeeping forces, internal clashes between Palestinian factions could erupt, further complicating the situation.
Regional Outlook
Sunday’s air strikes mark the most serious flare up since the ceasefire began, raising fresh doubts about the truce’s durability. As both sides continue to trade accusations, the possibility of renewed full scale conflict remains a looming threat.
Observers warn that without concrete enforcement mechanisms and trust building measures, the region could quickly slide back into violence, erasing the fragile gains made in recent weeks.
