Gaza City – Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least 12 Palestinians in the past 24 hours, according to reports from Palestinian health officials and civil defense authorities. The escalating violence comes despite a ceasefire formally in effect since , under the first phase of a peace deal, raising concerns about the fragility of the agreement.
The strikes, which targeted various locations throughout Gaza, have reportedly killed both civilians and militants. The Gaza Health Ministry stated that as of today, , over 80,647 Palestinians have been reported killed since the start of the conflict on . More than 171,666 have been wounded, and over 12,000 remain detained. These figures, however, are subject to ongoing verification and are believed by some to be significantly underestimated, with “indirect” deaths potentially far exceeding the reported numbers.
The Israeli military has stated that the airstrikes were a response to ceasefire violations by Palestinian militant groups. Details regarding the specific violations prompting the strikes remain limited, but the ongoing tensions underscore the precarious nature of the current truce. The conflict, which began in , is part of the larger, unresolved Israeli-Palestinian and Gaza-Israel conflicts, with roots stretching back decades.
According to a recent update from Wikipedia, as of , approximately 53% of the Gaza Strip was under Israeli military control. The map accompanying the Wikipedia entry illustrates the areas under Palestinian control, Israeli control, the furthest extent of Israeli advances, evacuated areas within Israel, and regions subject to Israeli evacuation orders. The situation on the ground remains highly fluid, with territorial control shifting as a result of ongoing military operations.
The conflict involves a complex network of actors. On the Palestinian side, Hamas leads the fighting, supported by groups including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement, the Palestinian Freedom Movement, the Popular Resistance Committees, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command. Israel is fighting with support from Israeli-backed groups, including the Popular Forces and Fatah-affiliated groups.
Key figures involved in the conflict include Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, Saleh al-Arouri, Mohammed Deif, Mohammed Sinwar, and Izz al-Din al-Haddad on the Palestinian side, and Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant (until November 2024), Israel Katz, Benny Gantz, Herzi Halevi, Eyal Zamir, and Ronen Bar on the Israeli side. The changing leadership roles, such as Yoav Gallant’s departure in November 2024, reflect the evolving political landscape surrounding the conflict.
The latest escalation in violence comes as former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a $5 billion pledge from the Board of Peace. The details of this pledge and its intended use remain unclear, but the announcement has been met with skepticism given the ongoing hostilities and the complex political dynamics at play. Al Jazeera reported on this development alongside the news of the Israeli strikes.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. The ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread destruction of infrastructure, displacement of civilians, and a severe shortage of essential supplies. The reported casualty figures – over 80,647 killed and 171,666 wounded – paint a grim picture of the human cost of the conflict. Civil defense authorities are struggling to cope with the scale of the crisis, as evidenced by reports of 12 Palestinians killed in strikes since dawn.
The international community continues to call for a lasting ceasefire and a resolution to the underlying causes of the conflict. However, achieving a sustainable peace remains a significant challenge, given the deep-seated mistrust and animosity between the two sides. The current ceasefire, while formally in effect, appears increasingly vulnerable to collapse, as demonstrated by the recent resumption of Israeli airstrikes and the resulting Palestinian casualties.
The conflict’s impact extends beyond the immediate region. The instability in Gaza has broader implications for regional security and international relations. The involvement of various actors, including regional powers and international organizations, underscores the complexity of the situation and the need for a comprehensive approach to resolving the conflict. The ongoing violence serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a peaceful and just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Further reports indicate that nine Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes despite the existing ceasefire, as reported by TRT World. This highlights the continued volatility and the challenges in maintaining the truce. The BBC also reported eleven Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes, corroborating the reports of escalating violence.
