The Israel Defense Forces carried out airstrikes across Gaza on Wednesday after Hamas operatives opened fire on Israeli troops in Khan Younis, violating a nearly six-week-old ceasefire. No Israeli soldiers were wounded, but the IDF described the gunfire as a clear breach requiring an immediate response.
Israeli forces struck targets in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood and in southern Khan Younis. Palestinian officials reported casualties, though they did not indicate how many were militants. Defense officials are examining whether senior Hamas field commanders were among those killed.
Hamas denounced the strikes as an escalation and warned that the incident could jeopardize the already fragile truce. Despite repeated tensions, the ceasefire remains in place as international mediators continue working to stabilize the situation.
Under the US-backed ceasefire plan, Hamas is expected to disarm and allow an international stabilization force to take over security responsibilities in Gaza—terms the group continues to reject publicly.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway for the European Union to train thousands of Palestinian police officers to help secure Gaza once conditions permit. The IDF also reported eliminating a terrorist who crossed the Yellow Line in northern Gaza and posed an immediate threat to Israeli troops.
Negotiations continue regarding the recovery of the remains of three Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent further violations of the ceasefire.
