At Least Three Palestinians Killed by Israeli Strikes in Gaza Amid Fragile Ceasefire
At least three Palestinians have been killed in Gaza despite the ongoing ceasefire, according to medical sources who spoke to Al Jazeera on Thursday. The deaths mark yet another violation of the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas, heightening fears of renewed hostilities.
The latest attacks occurred as both sides continue to accuse each other of breaching the terms of the ceasefire, which was meant to bring temporary relief to the war-battered enclave. Witnesses reported Israeli strikes in central and southern Gaza, with several civilians among the casualties.
An Israeli government agency has meanwhile announced that the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt for the movement of people will remain delayed. The crossing, a critical route for humanitarian aid and evacuation, has been closed for weeks amid ongoing security and logistical disputes.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has instructed the military to prepare what he described as a “comprehensive plan” to defeat Hamas should the ceasefire collapse completely. The directive underscores Tel Aviv’s continued insistence on dismantling the group’s military and political infrastructure.
Hamas, for its part, has handed over the remains of two more Israeli captives, according to Palestinian media outlets. The group admitted, however, that locating the bodies of additional captives buried beneath Gaza’s widespread destruction will require specialised equipment and external assistance.
The truce, mediated by Egypt and Qatar with support from the United States, remains tenuous as sporadic gunfire, drone strikes, and shelling persist in several areas of Gaza. Humanitarian agencies have warned that the situation could deteriorate rapidly if full-scale hostilities resume.
Health officials in Gaza say the death toll continues to rise even during periods of supposed calm, as limited medical access and infrastructure collapse make it increasingly difficult to treat the wounded.
The ongoing violence also complicates diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilising the region. Talks to consolidate the ceasefire and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid have stalled amid mutual distrust and political pressure on both sides.
International observers have urged Israel to maintain restraint and allow aid access through Rafah, while calling on Hamas to uphold the truce and release any remaining hostages.
For many in Gaza, however, the ceasefire offers little solace. As one resident told Al Jazeera, “Even when they say there is a ceasefire, we still live in fear. The sounds of drones and explosions never really stop.”
