More than 100 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza within 12 hours, even as US President Donald Trump claimed that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains intact. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, the Israeli attacks from Tuesday to Wednesday killed 104 Palestinians, including 46 children, and injured 253 others.
“These documented crimes add to the long list of ongoing violations against our people,” the Palestinian Civil Defence in Gaza said in a statement, calling for an “immediate and comprehensive ceasefire” across the Strip.
One of the latest attacks hit a tent sheltering displaced families in Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, medical sources told Al Jazeera. Other strikes hit both the northern and southern regions of the enclave.
Trump Defends Israel’s Strikes
Despite the bloodshed, President Donald Trump defended Israel’s right to “hit back” after reports that an Israeli soldier had been killed in southern Gaza. “As I understand it, they took out an Israeli soldier,” Trump said while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. “So the Israelis hit back, and they should hit back. When that happens, they should hit back.”
He called Israel’s actions “retribution” for the soldier’s death. The Israeli military confirmed the soldier’s death but did not reveal when it occurred. Trump added that the ceasefire remains in effect. “Nothing is going to jeopardise the ceasefire,” he said, while warning Hamas to “behave”.
“You have to understand Hamas is a very small part of peace in the Middle East, and they have to behave,” he said. “If they [Hamas] are good, they are going to be happy, and if they are not good, they are going to be terminated; their lives will be terminated.”
Hamas Denies Involvement
Hamas, in a statement, denied responsibility for the alleged sniper attack in Rafah, southern Gaza. The group reaffirmed its commitment to the US-brokered ceasefire agreement.
The Israeli military claimed it had resumed the ceasefire after targeting “dozens of terror sites” and “30 terrorists holding command positions.” However, it did not provide evidence to support those claims.
Analysts Warn of a Fragile Truce
Al Jazeera’s reporter Hani Mahmoud, from Gaza City, said the renewed bombardment created “panic and despair” among residents. “The skies are filled with fighter jets, drones and reconnaissance aircraft,” he reported. “The fear now is that what started last night is going to continue for days to come.”
Experts say Israel has not honoured all terms of the truce, including withdrawal and aid commitments. Mouin Rabbani, from the Centre for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies, said Israel appears to be “deliberately undermining” the ceasefire.
Rob Geist Pinfold, a lecturer at King’s College London, called the deal “fragile from day one” and said Israel’s continued presence in Gaza makes it feel more like “a prolonged occupation” than peace.
Pressure Mounts on Washington
As civilian deaths rise, Washington faces growing pressure to respond to Israel’s actions. Critics say Trump’s strong support for Israel and his framing of its actions as “retribution” could weaken US credibility as a mediator.
Analysts warn that if the violence continues, Trump’s claimed “ceasefire success” could quickly unravel — exposing a deepening humanitarian and political crisis in Gaza.
