A heavily damaged building housing the Bank of Palestine, following Israeli strikes, in Gaza City.
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, brokered earlier this month, is under severe strain after a new wave of Israeli airstrikes devastated Gaza. More than 100 Palestinians, including dozens of children, were killed in overnight attacks on October 29, marking the deadliest 24 hours since the truce began nearly three weeks ago.
According to medical sources in Gaza, the strikes hit residential areas across the enclave, leaving hospitals overwhelmed and families mourning at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The Israeli military said the attacks were in response to what it described as Hamas violations of the ceasefire, including an assault that killed an Israeli soldier.
By Wednesday afternoon, Israel announced it was once again enforcing the ceasefire, but warned it would respond “firmly” to any further breaches. The back-and-forth has raised doubts about the durability of the agreement, which was meant to pave the way for a phased Israeli withdrawal and humanitarian relief.
The truce, signed on October 9, was hailed as a breakthrough after two years of devastating conflict. Yet thorny issues remain unresolved, including the disarmament of Hamas, the release of hostages, and the timeline for Israeli troop withdrawal. Each flare-up of violence underscores how fragile the deal is, with both sides trading accusations of bad faith.
International observers warn that the cycle of strikes and counterstrikes risks collapsing the agreement entirely. U.S. President Donald Trump has insisted the ceasefire is “not at risk,” but the mounting civilian toll and repeated violations suggest otherwise.
For Palestinians in Gaza, the promise of peace has quickly given way to renewed fear. With aid deliveries restricted and infrastructure in ruins, the humanitarian crisis deepens each day the truce falters.
In short: the ceasefire still exists on paper, but on the ground, it is hanging by a thread.
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