Israel launches new airstrikes on Gaza, accusing Hamas of breaking the ceasefire. Hamas denies the claims, saying Israel violated the truce first. Rising tensions threaten fragile peace efforts.
Gaza City / Jerusalem: Tensions flared once again in the Middle East as Israel launched fresh airstrikes on Gaza early Tuesday, prompting both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas officials to accuse each other of breaking the fragile ceasefire agreement.
According to local sources, the Israeli air raids targeted multiple sites across Gaza, including areas said to be linked to Hamas’ military operations. The strikes followed what Israeli authorities described as “repeated violations” by Hamas militants, who allegedly fired rockets toward southern Israel late Monday night.
In a televised statement, Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed that Israel was “left with no choice” but to respond to continued aggression.
“We will defend our citizens from any act of terror,” he said. “The ceasefire cannot exist if only one side respects it.”
Hamas, however, strongly rejected Israel’s claims, accusing the Israeli government of “unprovoked aggression” and of deliberately sabotaging the truce.
“Israel has once again violated the agreement and is fully responsible for the consequences,” a Hamas spokesperson said, adding that several civilians were among the casualties.
Health officials in Gaza reported multiple injuries and at least several deaths, though the exact toll remains unconfirmed as rescue efforts continue. Witnesses described scenes of panic as explosions lit up the night sky over densely populated neighborhoods.
The recent escalation comes just days after international mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, helped broker a temporary ceasefire aimed at halting weeks of deadly clashes.
Analysts warn that the renewed violence could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts and reignite a full-scale conflict if both sides fail to exercise restraint.
Humanitarian organizations have once again urged both parties to prioritize civilian safety and return to dialogue.
