Israeli strikes in Gaza raise concerns as truce casualties surpass 600, health officials say
At least five people were killed in fresh Gaza strikes on Friday, according to the territory’s civil defense agency, as violence continues despite a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The civil defense authority, which operates under Hamas-run authorities in Gaza, said an early-morning Israeli airstrike in central Gaza killed two people and seriously injured another. Hours later, a drone strike in southern Gaza reportedly killed three more people and wounded several others.
Ceasefire Under Strain
The latest strikes come as a US-brokered ceasefire, which entered its second phase last month, faces mounting pressure. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the agreement.
Under the truce terms that took effect on October 10, Israeli forces withdrew to positions behind a designated “Yellow Line”, though they continue to control more than half of the territory.
Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported that at least 601 people have been killed since the truce began, highlighting ongoing instability despite the agreement. The Israeli military, meanwhile, says four of its soldiers have been killed during the same period.
Limited Access, Disputed Figures
Media restrictions and limited access to affected areas have made it difficult for independent agencies to verify casualty figures or report freely from the ground.
The renewed Gaza strikes underscore the fragile nature of the ceasefire and raise concerns about whether the current agreement can hold amid continued military exchanges.
Source: Arab News