Recent airstrikes in Gaza have had a devastating impact on civilians, particularly families already displaced by previous conflicts. On Sunday, at least nine Palestinians were reported killed in attacks across northern and southern Gaza, including one strike that targeted a tent encampment housing displaced families, according to Palestinian civil defense and health authorities.
Medics confirmed that four people lost their lives in the tent camp attack, while health officials reported five more deaths from a separate strike in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, as cited by Reuters. These incidents occur amid ongoing tensions and disputes over ceasefire violations between Israel and Hamas.
An Israeli military official explained that the airstrikes were carried out in response to what they described as “blatant” ceasefire breaches by Hamas on Saturday in the Beit Hanoun area. The official claimed that armed militants had emerged from a tunnel east of the so-called “Yellow Line,” the demarcation separating Israeli- and Hamas-controlled areas. The military described Sunday’s strikes as precise and consistent with international law, noting that Hamas had allegedly violated the October ceasefire multiple times.
“Crossing the Yellow Line while armed constitutes a clear breach of the ceasefire and reflects Hamas’s deliberate disregard for the agreement, putting IDF personnel at risk,” the official added.
While Israel emphasizes its military actions are targeted, the consequences for Gaza’s civilian population are severe. Many of the victims were living in temporary shelters, underscoring the vulnerability of displaced families who often lack adequate protection, healthcare, and basic necessities. Humanitarian organizations warn that these communities remain at significant risk amid ongoing hostilities.
Both Israel and Hamas continue to accuse each other of ceasefire violations, a central component of U.S. efforts to stabilize the region. Israeli forces reported on Saturday that armed militants were spotted near IDF positions in northern Gaza, prompting further strikes.
Since the ceasefire took effect, the Gaza health ministry reports that over 600 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli operations, while Israel confirms the deaths of four soldiers from attacks by Gaza militants during the same timeframe. The cycle of strikes and counterstrikes highlights the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the continued suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
