The fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hamas has come under severe strain after Israel accused Palestinian militants of violating the truce. The Israeli military reported that its forces in the southern Gaza city of Rafah were attacked by militants who fired an anti-tank missile and used gunfire across the cease-fire line. The incident, which Israel described as an unprovoked assault, marked the first serious clash since the truce was established earlier this month.
In response to the attack, Israel launched a series of airstrikes across Gaza, targeting what it said were Hamas military positions, tunnels, and weapons depots. Explosions were reported in Rafah, Khan Younis, and several areas in central Gaza. Residents described loud blasts that shook buildings and sent people fleeing to temporary shelters. The Israeli military said its strikes were a direct response to the violation and were intended to “neutralize immediate threats.”
The escalation comes as both sides had been cautiously adhering to a truce mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. The agreement was seen as a crucial step toward ending months of intense fighting and allowing humanitarian relief to reach Gaza’s battered population. However, the recent incident now threatens to unravel those efforts and reignite full-scale hostilities.
Following the attack, Israel’s defense establishment announced that all humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza would be suspended “until further notice.” This included the entry of food, medical supplies, and fuel — all essential for the civilian population. The decision, officials said, was meant to pressure Hamas to enforce discipline among its fighters and prevent further attacks.
The suspension of aid immediately drew concern from international organizations and humanitarian groups. They warned that Gaza’s already dire situation could worsen rapidly if the blockade remains in place. Hospitals in the enclave have reported shortages of critical medicine and power cuts due to fuel depletion. The United Nations called for the resumption of aid deliveries, emphasizing that civilians should not suffer because of renewed military tensions.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 14 Palestinians were killed in the Israeli airstrikes, including several civilians and displaced people sheltering in residential buildings. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as ambulances struggled to reach affected areas. The ministry said dozens more were injured and warned that the toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
Hamas, for its part, denied involvement in the alleged attack that triggered the strikes. A spokesperson said the group had no contact with fighters in Rafah at the time and accused Israel of fabricating an excuse to justify renewed aggression. Hamas claimed the area was under heavy Israeli control and that communication with their units there had been disrupted since the cease-fire began.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency security meeting shortly after the incident and instructed the Israeli military to take “strong and precise action” in response. Several right-wing ministers in his government have since urged a complete withdrawal from the cease-fire agreement, arguing that Hamas cannot be trusted to uphold any deal. Netanyahu, however, stated that Israel would respond “as necessary” while still keeping open the possibility of maintaining the truce if the attacks cease.
The situation on the ground remains highly tense. Israeli tanks and armored vehicles have reportedly repositioned near the Gaza border, and sirens were heard in nearby Israeli communities. Residents on both sides are bracing for further escalation as each accuses the other of breaking the terms of the agreement.
International mediators are now scrambling to prevent the collapse of the cease-fire. Egyptian and Qatari officials have been in constant communication with both sides, while U.S. diplomats have called for restraint and a swift return to calm. Washington reiterated that maintaining the truce is critical to allowing humanitarian assistance and facilitating ongoing talks on prisoner and hostage exchanges.
The truce, which went into effect earlier this month, had been considered one of the most significant diplomatic breakthroughs since the conflict’s escalation two years ago. It included provisions for limited Israeli troop withdrawals, the gradual reopening of crossings, and the release of hostages and detainees. The agreement had brought a rare period of relative calm and a modest increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza before the current crisis erupted.
For Gaza’s residents, the renewed violence has reignited fears of another prolonged war. Many families who had started rebuilding their homes are once again fleeing to makeshift shelters. With aid convoys halted, food and water supplies are dwindling, and electricity remains scarce. Local officials say the humanitarian situation could deteriorate rapidly if the closure continues beyond a few days.
In Israel, the incident has also fueled political debate. Critics of the government argue that the cease-fire was always fragile and that clearer mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing compliance were needed. Supporters of the truce insist that abandoning diplomacy now would only prolong the suffering on both sides and undo months of negotiation.
Despite the sharp escalation, both Israel and Hamas have publicly stated that they remain committed to the truce “in principle.” Each side, however, continues to accuse the other of violating its terms. Analysts warn that if retaliatory strikes and denials continue, the cease-fire could disintegrate entirely, leading to a full return to combat operations.
The coming hours and days will be crucial in determining whether calm can be restored or whether the region is headed for another devastating round of conflict. The suspension of aid, ongoing airstrikes, and mounting casualties have already deepened mistrust. Unless swift diplomatic action succeeds, the fragile peace that had offered a glimmer of hope for Gaza’s civilians may not survive much longer.
