Israeli forces conducted multiple airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, suspending humanitarian aid deliveries following accusations that Hamas orchestrated an attack killing two soldiers. The militant group denied responsibility, with both sides trading blame for breaching the fragile ceasefire agreement.
The escalation marks the most significant violence since the truce took effect last month. Israeli officials claimed Hamas operatives fired rockets near border communities, while Hamas spokesperson Abdul-Latif Qanou called the allegations "baseless pretexts to justify aggression."
Despite the hostilities, Israeli and Hamas representatives separately reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the ceasefire framework through backchannel communications. Analysts suggest the calibrated strikes reflect attempts to deter attacks without triggering full-scale conflict.
The halted aid shipments – including food and medical supplies – heighten concerns for Gaza's 2 million residents already facing severe economic strain. UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland urged "maximum restraint" to prevent further humanitarian deterioration.
