Overnight strikes in Gaza leave dozens dead — including 24 children — as Trump defends the fragile ceasefire and urges Hamas to “behave.”
Gaza Death Toll Rises Despite Ceasefire Promise
At least 63 Palestinians, including 24 children, were killed overnight in Gaza, according to medical officials, as Israeli air strikes shattered what was meant to be a fragile, US-brokered ceasefire.
The latest escalation came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered what he called “powerful strikes” on Rafah, in southern Gaza, following an exchange of gunfire that left one Israeli soldier dead. The Israeli military confirmed the loss but said it was “responding to aggression” from Hamas fighters.
Trump: “Nothing Will Jeopardise the Ceasefire”
Speaking from Washington, US President Donald Trump defended Israel’s response, saying the country “hit back after a soldier was taken out.” However, he insisted that the situation remained under control.
“Nothing is going to jeopardise the ceasefire,” Trump said. “But Hamas has to behave.”
His remarks drew mixed reactions from international observers, who questioned how a truce could remain intact amid continuing Israeli air raids and rising civilian deaths.
The Human Cost of the Gaza War
Since Israel’s war on Gaza began in October 2023, at least 68,527 Palestinians have been killed and 170,395 wounded, according to Gaza’s health authorities. On the Israeli side, 1,139 people were killed during the October 7 Hamas-led attacks, and about 200 hostages were taken.
The ongoing violence has left millions in Gaza facing severe humanitarian conditions, with families struggling to access food, clean water, and medical care. Aid groups warn that repeated strikes on densely populated areas are pushing the enclave to the brink of collapse.
A Fragile Truce Under Fire
Despite the ceasefire announcement, cross-border violence has continued almost daily. Analysts say both sides remain locked in a dangerous cycle of retaliation, with Gaza civilians paying the highest price.
International mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, are reportedly working to reinforce the ceasefire agreement, but with mounting civilian casualties, trust in the truce appears to be fading fast.
The World Watches, Gaza Bleeds
As the death toll rises, pressure is mounting on the US and its allies to demand accountability and ensure that ceasefire agreements are respected by all parties.