Gaza's Fragile Ceasefire Faces New Challenges

Violence in Gaza has surged again, with 33 people losing their lives in recent Israeli airstrikes. This escalation marks some of the deadliest attacks since the ceasefire began in October. The strikes targeted Khan Younis and Gaza City, claiming the lives of many civilians, including women and children. The conflict reignited after Israel reported that its soldiers were fired upon in Khan Younis. In response, Israel launched airstrikes, though no soldiers were killed. Among the targets were tents housing displaced people, resulting in 17 deaths, including five women and five children. In Gaza City, two airstrikes on a building killed 16 people, including seven children and three women. Hamas condemned the strikes, calling them a "shocking massacre" and denied any involvement in the initial attack on Israeli troops. The ceasefire, already fragile, is now under further strain. The U. N. Security Council recently backed a U. S. plan for Gaza, but its implementation remains uncertain, especially after Hamas rejected it. Since the ceasefire, over 300 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry. Both sides accuse each other of violating the terms, which include increasing aid and returning hostages. The conflict has claimed over 69, 000 Palestinian lives since Israel's offensive began over two years ago, following a Hamas-led attack that killed around 1, 200 people and abducted 251 others. Meanwhile, Israel has also targeted Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon, claiming they were rebuilding their capacity. These strikes have resulted in civilian casualties, raising concerns about the stability of the region.