The IDF resumed bombing after Hamas operatives opened fire on troops near Khan Younis, marking a significant escalation despite the recent truce.
JERUSALEM — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Wednesday that they carried out a series of airstrikes against Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip, accusing the group of violating the existing ceasefire agreement.
The offensive was launched after Hamas operatives opened fire on Israeli troops in the Khan Younis area earlier in the morning. According to the military, the confrontation resulted in no injuries to Israeli soldiers. The incident occurred on the eastern side of the “Yellow Line,” a strip of territory under IDF control that is subject to the truce terms agreed upon between the parties.
In a statement released on social media, the military asserted that the attack by Hamas “constitutes a violation of the ceasefire agreement,” a justification cited for the subsequent aerial bombardments.
Gaza’s Civil Defense raised the death toll to 22 people on Wednesday following the Israeli strikes.
Tensions have been simmering despite the truce, which reportedly came into effect on October 10. On Saturday, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that the Israeli army bombed various points in northern and southern Gaza. Israeli artillery struck the outskirts of the Shujaiya neighborhood, east of Gaza City, while naval vessels opened fire toward the coast of Rafah.
Since the truce began, the Israeli military has conducted several operations in Gaza, citing violations by the Islamist group.
The escalation comes just days after the United Nations Security Council approved a resolution drafted by the United States regarding Gaza. The resolution, based on a 20-point plan by President Donald Trump, includes the establishment of an international security force in the Palestinian enclave.
Approved on Monday with 13 votes in favor and abstentions from China and Russia, the resolution stipulates the creation of an International Security Force (ISF) that will operate until December 2027. Its mandate includes securing Gaza’s borders with Israel and Egypt, protecting civilians and humanitarian corridors, and training a new Palestinian police force.
During the UN meeting, attended by the Israeli ambassador but without Palestinian representation, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz urged members to support the document, stating that it denies Hamas the opportunity to reconstitute itself and ensures “the people of Gaza can feed themselves.”
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