Fresh violence shatters relative calm as Israel and Hamas trade accusations over truce violations; more than 600 Palestinians reported dead since October agreement.
GAZA CITY – At least five Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Friday, Gaza’s civil defense ministry reported, marking the latest deadly incident to test the resilience of a US-brokered ceasefire now in its second phase.
The civil defense agency, which operates as a rescue force under Hamas authorities, told AFP that an airstrike in central Gaza during the early hours of Friday killed two people and left one seriously injured. Hours earlier, a drone strike in the southern part of the strip killed three people and wounded several others shortly after midnight.
The deaths underscore the volatility of the situation on the ground, with violence persisting despite a truce agreement intended to halt hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Truce Terms Under Pressure
Under the ceasefire terms, which took effect on October 10, Israeli troops withdrew to positions behind a so-called “Yellow Line,” though they maintain control over more than half of the territory. The arrangement has failed to deliver a complete halt to hostilities, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement.
Gaza’s health ministry, which operates under Hamas authorities, has previously reported that at least 601 people have been killed since the truce began. The Israeli military says at least four of its soldiers have been killed during the same period.
Accusations Fly
The continued violence has triggered a war of words between the two sides. Israel and Hamas have repeatedly traded accusations over who is responsible for breaching the ceasefire terms, with each blaming the other for escalating tensions.
Reporting Challenges
Media restrictions and limited access in Gaza have prevented independent verification of casualty figures or comprehensive coverage of the ongoing fighting. AFP, which reported the latest deaths, noted the constraints on journalists operating in the territory, making it difficult to confirm details independently.
The latest fatalities raise urgent questions about the durability of the ceasefire agreement and whether international mediators can salvage a truce that appears increasingly fragile.
