Israel Launches Heavy Strikes on Gaza and Khan Yunis after Trump Peace Initiative

DID Press: Despite a fragile ceasefire in Gaza overseen by the US President Donald Trump, Israel launched a wave of heavy air and artillery strikes overnight across several areas of Gaza Strip following orders from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The escalation triggered a strong response from Hamas and warnings from Washington over a possible collapse of the truce.

Israeli warplanes and drones targeted western Gaza City, areas near Al-Shifa Hospital, and parts of Deir al-Balah on Wednesday night. Local sources reported that the death toll had risen to more than 100 people.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said Netanyahu authorized the military to begin “powerful strikes” on Gaza following a security briefing. The Israeli defense minister warned that “Hamas will pay a heavy price for attacking Israeli soldiers and violating the agreement.”

In response, Qassam Brigades — Hamas’s armed wing — rejected accusations of truce violations, saying “any escalation by the occupation forces will disrupt search and recovery operations” and delayed returning the remains of an Israeli captive.

Hamas said in a formal statement that it remains committed to the ceasefire and condemned the latest bombardment as “a blatant violation of the U.S.-brokered Trump agreement.” The group called on international mediators to intervene immediately to stop Israeli aggression and prevent the breakdown of the deal.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials told CNN and Axios that Washington had prior knowledge of Israel’s planned strikes but found “no evidence of a ceasefire breach by Hamas.” They urged Tel Aviv to refrain from actions that may derail the fragile truce.

Field reports indicate a sharp escalation in Israeli air, artillery, and naval attacks across Gaza Strip, raising renewed fears of a return to full-scale war in the besieged territory.