The fragile truce between Israel and Hamas is under renewed strain after Israeli military operations resumed in Gaza, killing dozens of Palestinians, even as U.S. envoys touch down in Israel for urgent ceasefire negotiations.
According to Gaza health authorities, a series of airstrikes and shelling across the enclave have left more than 100 Palestinians dead since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, including some killed in areas where civilians had returned to assess damage.
Official Israeli sources say the strikes were responses to militant actions near the so-called “yellow line”the boundary behind which Israeli forces pulled back under the truce deal.
One strike in Nuseirat hit what residents described as a former school sheltering displaced people, while another in eastern Gaza City’s al-Shaaf area reportedly killed four returning residents.
As the violence escalates, a U.S. delegation led by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel to reinforce the truce framework and mediate tensions.
They met with Israeli officials to discuss “next steps” for the ceasefire, including disarmament, hostage exchanges, and humanitarian access to Gaza.
Despite airstrikes in the enclave, President Donald Trump maintained that the ceasefire remains in effect, suggesting some violations may have been carried out by rogue elements. “We think maybe the leadership isn’t involved in that,” he said.
The resumption of violence has deepened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Many civilians who ventured out after the ceasefire to inspect damage or collect essentials were caught in the crossfire.
Aid convoys entering Gaza remain sharply below promised levels. The Gaza Government Media Office says the average daily aid entry has been no more than 89 trucks, far short of the 600 trucks pledged.
The ongoing conflict has already claimed over 68,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Both sides continue to accuse one another of violations. Israel claims the strikes are retaliation to militant attacks, while Gaza officials warn the truce is disintegrating under military pressure.
As U.S. diplomats attempt to salvage the agreement, questions abound can such diplomacy endure amid renewed gunfire? Can humanitarian aid be expanded? And can civilians survive this tenuous peace?
