Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least three Palestinians on Sunday, further intensifying Gaza ceasefire tensions and raising fresh concerns over the stability of the already fragile U.S.-brokered truce. The latest violence comes amid ongoing accusations from both Israel and Hamas of repeated ceasefire violations.
Local health officials said two of the victims were members of the Hamas-run police force, while another person was killed in a separate strike in central Gaza’s Maghazi refugee camp. Medics also reported injuries to two others in the same attack.
The Israeli military said its operations targeted individuals it described as militants engaged in suspicious activity near its forces. It added that the strikes were aimed at preventing imminent threats against Israeli troops.
The incidents underline how quickly the situation can escalate despite the ceasefire agreement that was meant to reduce hostilities after months of war.
Rising instability despite the ceasefire agreement
The ceasefire, brokered in October 2025 with international mediation, has struggled to hold. Although large-scale fighting has reduced, both sides continue to report near-daily incidents along the Gaza border and inside the enclave.
According to Gaza’s health authorities, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire took effect. Israel, meanwhile, has reported the deaths of several of its soldiers during the same period, blaming militant groups for repeated attacks.
Sunday’s airstrikes also targeted senior figures within Gaza’s internal security structure. One of the strikes in Khan Younis killed a senior police official along with his aide. The Israeli military claimed the targeted individuals were linked to armed operations against its forces.
The continued targeting of Gaza’s police and security infrastructure has added another layer of tension, as local authorities accuse Israel of attempting to weaken internal order in the territory.
Civilian fear grows as violence continues.
For civilians in Gaza, the renewed strikes have deepened fear and uncertainty. Residents reported hearing explosions in multiple areas, while emergency teams rushed to recover bodies and treat the injured.
Funerals held in Khan Younis drew emotional scenes, with mourners condemning the ongoing attacks and calling for stronger international intervention to enforce the ceasefire.
Residents say the situation remains unpredictable, with airstrikes occurring without warning. Many families continue to live in damaged homes or temporary shelters, struggling with limited access to basic services.
Humanitarian groups warn that continued violence could worsen Gaza’s crisis, where infrastructure is already badly damaged.
Ceasefire under growing international pressure
The latest escalation has once again put diplomatic pressure on mediators trying to maintain the ceasefire. International observers have repeatedly warned that without stronger enforcement mechanisms, the agreement risks collapsing entirely.
Both Israel and Hamas continue to accuse each other of violating the terms of the truce. Israel says its strikes are defensive and aimed at militants, while Palestinian authorities report civilian areas are being hit and governance weakened.
Analysts say the crisis shows deep mistrust between both sides, where even minor incidents can spark wider violence.
For now, the ceasefire remains in place, but the frequency of strikes and counterclaims suggests it is increasingly fragile.
As Gaza ceasefire tensions rise, fears grow that the region could return to wider conflict if diplomacy fails.
