What was meant to be a day of calm turned into another chapter of violence. Israel launched fresh airstrikes on Khan Younis and northern Gaza City, claiming to target Hamas strongholds. This escalation comes even as Israeli officials publicly maintain they are honoring a ceasefire negotiated by the United States.
The contradiction is glaring. Reports from Gaza indicate that a Palestinian civilian was killed by Israeli gunfire in Gaza City. Meanwhile, the Nasser Medical Complex confirmed the return of 30 Palestinian prisoner bodies, some bearing signs of torture.
In a parallel development, Hamas returned the bodies of two Israeli hostages, intensifying grief and political pressure within Israel. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate rapidly—hospitals are overwhelmed, and aid convoys remain blocked from reaching critical zones.
Global Reaction
The international community is watching with growing concern. Human rights organizations are calling for independent investigations into the treatment of prisoners and the conduct of both parties. Despite its role in brokering the ceasefire, the U.S. State Department has yet to issue a statement on the renewed strikes.
With violence persisting and trust eroding, the ceasefire risks becoming a diplomatic illusion. The coming days will test whether international pressure can lead to meaningful restraint—or whether the region will plunge deeper into conflict.