At least 104 Palestinians were killed in a wave of Israeli strikes in Gaza on Tuesday night, according to Hamas-run health authorities. The strikes came as Israel responded to what it termed violations of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement by Hamas.
The Israeli military announced that it targeted dozens of terror targets and terrorists following allegations that Hamas breached conditions of the ceasefire after an attack that resulted in the death of an Israeli soldier.
Israel's defense minister criticized Hamas for this attack, claiming it violated the terms concerning the returning of deceased hostages. In contrast, Hamas denied any involvement in the attack, emphasizing that Israel was attempting to destabilize the ceasefire.
US President Donald Trump asserted that nothing would endanger the ceasefire but suggested that Israel should retaliate when attacked.
The strikes, which struck homes and other civilian areas, led to substantial destruction in Gaza. Reports indicate that among the casualties, there were 46 children and 20 women, with more than 250 others injured.
Witnesses described experiencing pillars of fire and smoke as explosions rocked several neighborhoods. The tragedy deepened as families mourned the loss of their loved ones, with accounts of entire homes being flattened by the airstrikes.
The intensifying violence puts the ceasefire agreement brokered by the US and other nations under severe strain. Despite the bloodshed, the Israeli Defense Forces indicated they would continue to uphold the ceasefire agreement, stating that they would respond firmly to any violations.
In the wake of this violence, international bodies have expressed alarm, with the UN human rights chief calling the death toll appalling and urging all parties not to lose sight of potential peaceful solutions amid the rising tensions.
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