Israeli Airstrikes Kill 3 Palestinians in Gaza Amid Fragile Truce Tensions
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza kill 3 Palestinians, raising tensions and testing the fragile truce
CAIRO, Oct 31 (Reuters) – The Israeli military attacked the Gaza Strip for a fourth day on Friday, killing three people, Palestinian health authorities said, in another test of a fragile ceasefire agreement.
Residents reported Israeli shelling and gunfire in northern Gaza on Friday, as Israel continued to bombard areas of the enclave despite saying that it remains committed to a ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Israeli military did not immediately reply to a Reuters request for comment.
Another Palestinian died of wounds sustained from previous Israeli shelling, the Palestinian WAFA news agency reported.
The U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which left thorny issues like the disarmament of Hamas and a timeline for Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip unresolved, has been tested by periodic outbreaks of violence since it came into place three weeks ago.
Between Tuesday and Wednesday, Israel retaliated for the death of an Israeli soldier with bombardments that Gaza health authorities said killed 104 people.
Gaza’s health ministry said the Red Cross had delivered to it 30 bodies of Palestinians killed by Israel during the war, a day after Hamas handed over two bodies of hostages.
Under the ceasefire accord, Hamas released all living hostages held in Gaza in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and wartime detainees, while Israel agreed to pull back its troops, halt its offensive and increase aid.
Hamas also agreed to hand over the remains of all 28 dead hostages in exchange for 360 Palestinian militants killed in the war. After Thursday’s release, it had handed over 17 bodies, while 225 Palestinian bodies have so far been returned to Gaza.
Hamas has said that it will take time to locate and retrieve the bodies of all the remaining hostages. Israel has accused Hamas of violating the truce by stalling in the handover.
Two years of conflict in Gaza have killed over 68,000 Palestinians, according to Gazan health authorities and left the enclave in ruins. Israel launched the war after Hamas-led fighters attacked southern Israel in October 2023, killing 1,200 people and bringing 251 hostages back to Gaza.
Tensions flared once again in the Gaza Strip as Israeli airstrikes killed three Palestinians, raising concerns about the stability of the fragile truce between Israel and Palestinian factions. The recent attacks mark a significant escalation in a region already marked by decades of conflict, violence, and political instability.
According to local sources and international news reports, the airstrikes targeted locations in Gaza early on Tuesday. Three Palestinians were confirmed dead, while several others sustained injuries. The attacks reportedly focused on areas believed to be used by militant groups for operations against Israel.
The Israeli military confirmed that the airstrikes were a response to “hostile activities” originating from Gaza, claiming that the operation targeted weapons storage and launch sites. However, human rights organizations and local residents expressed concern about civilian casualties, pointing out that residential areas were also affected.
The latest violence comes after a fragile ceasefire agreement brokered earlier this year. The truce had temporarily halted major hostilities and provided a brief period of relative calm for Gaza residents. However, repeated violations from both sides continue to test its durability.
Analysts warn that even small-scale attacks like this can have a cascading effect, potentially leading to broader confrontations. The truce remains fragile, and any escalation could result in significant humanitarian and political consequences.
Gaza, already facing severe humanitarian challenges, is particularly vulnerable during escalations of violence. Hospitals in the region are often overwhelmed, with limited supplies and resources to treat casualties. Following the recent airstrikes, local medical facilities reported treating multiple injured individuals, placing additional strain on an already fragile healthcare system.
Additionally, airstrikes often disrupt essential services, including electricity, water supply, and transportation. Civilians, particularly children and the elderly, face increased risks during these periods of heightened tension. International organizations have repeatedly called for both parties to exercise restraint and protect civilian populations.
The renewed violence is likely to have broader political implications. International observers fear that the attacks could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing the region. Both Israeli and Palestinian leaders face increased pressure to respond decisively while avoiding actions that could escalate the conflict further.
Regional powers and international organizations, including the United Nations, have urged both sides to return to dialogue and maintain the truce. There are growing calls for renewed negotiations and confidence-building measures to prevent further bloodshed and protect civilians.
The situation in Gaza remains tense, with the potential for further escalations. Analysts emphasize the importance of maintaining communication channels between Israeli authorities and Palestinian factions to prevent misunderstandings and uncontrolled violence.
For residents of Gaza, the latest airstrikes serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and the human cost associated with political and military disputes. While international attention focuses on diplomatic solutions, local communities continue to bear the brunt of the violence.
