By Elsie Kamsiyochi
Tensions in Gaza intensified once again on Sunday after Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least three Palestinians, according to local health officials, raising fresh concerns about the stability of a fragile ceasefire that has struggled to hold for months.
The latest violence comes despite ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States to preserve calm in the region and prevent a wider escalation of the conflict.
Medical sources in Gaza said one of the strikes hit the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza, killing one person. Another attack targeted a vehicle in the southern city of Khan Younis, killing two members of the Hamas-run police force. Officials identified the dead as Wessam Abdel-Hadi, the head of the criminal police department in Khan Younis, and one of his aides.
The strikes are seen as another sign of the continuing instability that has plagued Gaza even after a ceasefire agreement was reached in October 2025. While the truce significantly reduced large-scale military operations, violence has not stopped completely. Sporadic airstrikes, military raids, and accusations of ceasefire violations have continued to fuel tensions between Israel and Hamas.
Eyewitnesses in Khan Younis described scenes of destruction after the strike, with the targeted vehicle reduced to twisted metal in the Al-Amal neighborhood. Videos and photographs from the scene showed emergency responders and residents gathering around the wreckage as smoke lingered in the area.
Later, funeral processions were held for the two police officers. Crowds of mourners carried the bodies through the streets, wrapped in white burial shrouds, while chants honoring the dead echoed through the city. The funerals reflected the growing frustration and grief among many Palestinians who believe the ceasefire has failed to provide lasting safety.
Some residents accused Israel of deliberately targeting Gaza’s police force, arguing that such attacks undermine civil order and contribute to instability within the enclave. One mourner said the strikes appeared aimed at creating confusion and weakening local governance structures during an already fragile period.
Israel has previously increased operations against Hamas-linked institutions, including Gaza’s police and security services, arguing that such organizations are tied to militant activities. Hamas, however, says the police force plays a civilian role in maintaining order and public safety in Gaza. Israeli officials had not immediately commented on Sunday’s incidents.
The renewed violence highlights the fragile nature of the ceasefire, which has repeatedly come under strain since taking effect. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the agreement, with each side blaming the other for ongoing clashes and setbacks to peace efforts.
According to local medical authorities in Gaza, hundreds of Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the ceasefire began, while Israeli officials say attacks by militants have also resulted in Israeli casualties. The continuing cycle of violence has complicated international efforts to secure a more permanent peace arrangement.
The war, which erupted in October 2023, has caused devastating destruction across Gaza and led to a severe humanitarian crisis. Health authorities in Gaza say more than 72,500 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began, many of them civilians, though casualty figures remain disputed internationally.
As diplomatic mediators continue working to preserve the ceasefire, Sunday’s deadly strikes serve as a reminder of how quickly tensions in Gaza can reignite, leaving hopes for long-term stability hanging in the balance.
Source: Reuters
Original article
Comments