The death toll from Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip has risen to **81**, with hospital officials reporting significant casualties among women and children. This escalation in violence coincides with claims from the Israeli military that a ceasefire agreement is back in effect, despite the ongoing airstrikes.
The **Shifa Hospital** in Gaza City received **21 bodies** overnight, including **seven women** and **six children**, according to Director **Mohammed Abu Selmia**. He indicated that the number of fatalities could increase further, as many of the **45 wounded** patients, including **20 children**, are in critical condition.
Ceasefire Agreement Under Strain
This latest surge of violence marks what could be the most serious challenge to the fragile ceasefire that began on **October 10, 2023**. Israeli Prime Minister **Benjamin Netanyahu** ordered the military to conduct “powerful strikes” in response to accusations that Hamas violated the ceasefire. In turn, Hamas has delayed the transfer of another hostage’s body, exacerbating tensions between the conflicting parties.
During a trip to Asia, U.S. President **Donald Trump** defended Israel’s actions, asserting that the strikes were justified following an incident where Hamas allegedly killed an Israeli soldier during an exchange of gunfire in **Rafah**, the southernmost city in Gaza. Hamas has denied involvement in the shooting and accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire.
Casualty Reports and Hospital Responses
Hospitals across Gaza reported receiving numerous bodies following the airstrikes. The **Aqsa Hospital** in **Deir al-Balah** noted that it received **at least 10 bodies** overnight, including **three women** and **six children**. Additionally, the **Nasser Hospital** in **Khan Younis** reported **20 bodies**, with **13 children** and **two women** among the deceased. The **Al-Awda Hospital** confirmed it received **30 bodies**, including **14 children**.
Netanyahu’s decision to escalate military actions followed reports that Israeli forces were targeted in southern Gaza. He described the return of body parts, alleged to be from a hostage, as a “clear violation” of the ceasefire terms, which mandate the return of remaining hostages as soon as possible.
The Israeli military has asserted that the soldier killed was **Master Sgt. Yona Efraim Feldbaum**, aged **37**, and that the attack stemmed from Hamas’ actions.
Eyewitness accounts from the ground describe a harrowing scene as ambulances and small trucks filled with bodies overwhelmed hospital entrances. One individual recounted seeing rubble fall on families during the strikes, raising concerns over the effectiveness of the ceasefire.
As violence continues, the humanitarian crisis deepens, prompting calls for immediate action from international mediators. Hamas characterized the ongoing strikes as a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement and called for interventions to halt Israeli aggression.
The situation remains dire, with communities in Gaza grappling with the aftermath of the airstrikes and the increasing toll on civilian lives. The potential for further escalation looms as both sides navigate the fragile peace that hangs in the balance.
