Israel launched air strikes and artillery fire on Gaza on Sunday, in what officials called a response to militant attacks, as the U.S.-mediated ceasefire came under renewed strain.
The Israeli military said on Sunday that a ceasefire in Gaza had resumed after an attack that killed two of its soldiers and prompted a wave of airstrikes that killed 26 people, in the most serious test yet of this month's U.S.-brokered truce. It claimed to have destroyed tunnels and military sites.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would “respond forcefully” to any attack on its troops.
Palestinian witnesses reported explosions and gunfire in Rafah, tank fire near Abassan, and air strikes in central Gaza. Medics at Al-Aqsa Hospital said at least five people were killed in Deir Al-Balah.
Gaza’s health ministry later said Israeli attacks had killed at least eight people in the last 24 hours.
Accusations of ceasefire violations
The air strikes marked the most serious breach since the truce began on October 11. Israel accused Hamas of multiple violations, including a rocket-propelled grenade and sniper attack.
Hamas denied the claims, saying it remained committed to the ceasefire and had no contact with local armed groups in Rafah.
Hamas official Izzat Al Risheq said Israel had repeatedly broken the truce, while Gaza’s government media office accused Israeli forces of 47 violations since the deal was signed, killing 38 and injuring 143.
Rafah crossing remains shut
The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt remains closed, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Israel said it will not reopen the crossing until Hamas returns the remaining bodies of 28 deceased hostages.
Hamas said it has handed over all 20 living captives and 12 of the dead but needs time and equipment to retrieve others still buried under rubble.
The closure has halted aid deliveries to an enclave already facing famine-level hunger, according to global monitors.
Uncertain future for Trump’s peace plan
The renewed violence casts doubt on the 20-point peace plan brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, which aimed to end the war.
Key questions remain unresolved, from Hamas’s disarmament and Gaza’s governance to the creation of a Palestinian state and an international stabilisation force.
The U.S. State Department has yet to comment, as markets in Tel Aviv dropped nearly 2% amid fears of another escalation.
Mourners are paying their respects to the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as his funeral ceremonies move to Qom in north-central Iran. ...
Wildfires have taken a hold in southern Europe as the European Union sends four rescEU water bombing aircraft and more than 100 firefighters from Cy...
Explosive devices have detonated near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron is staying in Damascus during a visit to Syria, security source...
Mourners are paying their respects to the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as his funeral ceremonies move to Qom in north-central Iran.
Microsoft is expected to announce a new round of job cuts as early as next week as the technology giant looks to reduce costs, according to reports.
Explosive devices have detonated near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron is staying in Damascus during a visit to Syria, security sources have said.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 7th of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The death toll from Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes has risen to 3,342, according to the country's information ministry, as rescue teams continue searching affected areas and survivors face an uncertain recovery.
Mexico's national football team has returned luxury Rolex watches gifted by American content creator Stevewilldoit after concerns that they could conflict with FIFA's ethics rules.
Mourners are paying their respects to the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as his funeral ceremonies move to Qom in north-central Iran.
Christian Dior has secured one of fashion's most coveted celebrity endorsements after both Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wore custom haute couture designs by creative director Jonathan Anderson for their wedding in New York.
Massive crowds are gathering in the streets of Tehran on Monday for the funeral procession of Iran's slain former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, as part of a week-long farewell. His son and designated successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has yet to make a public appearance.
Explosive devices have detonated near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron is staying in Damascus during a visit to Syria, security sources have said.
Georgia has confirmed it will retain sole ownership of the long-delayed Anaklia deep-sea port under a "Landlord" model, while inviting international partners to invest in and operate terminals as interest grows from China, Central Asia and Azerbaijan.
Pakistan is seeking fresh Turkish investment after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan agreed to deepen economic cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion.
China has launched a new direct rail freight route to Turkmenistan, expanding its transport links with Central Asia as trade and investment across the region continue to grow. The service will carry Chinese industrial and consumer goods to the Caspian region.
More than 100 people were detained in Ankara on Sunday (5 July) after taking part in an anti-NATO protest organised by the Communist Party of Türkiye (TKP), according to the party.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment