Israel carried out new airstrikes in northern Gaza on Wednesday, killing at least two people despite announcing the resumption of a fragile ceasefire. The strikes hit Beit Lahiya, targeting what the Israeli military described as a “weapons storage site” posing a threat to its troops, according to al-Shifa Hospital officials.
The renewed violence follows a deadly wave of bombardments earlier this week that left more than 100 Palestinians dead, mostly women and children, in southern Gaza’s Rafah area. Israel said the earlier strikes were retaliatory after an Israeli soldier was reportedly killed, claiming senior Hamas fighters were targeted.
The United Nations and international leaders condemned the attacks. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson described the killings of civilians, including children, as unacceptable, while UN human rights chief Volker Türk called the incidents “appalling” and urged both sides to uphold the ceasefire. Leaders from the United Kingdom, Germany, and the European Union also appealed for renewed commitment to peace.
Residents in Gaza expressed despair over the renewed violence. Many who had begun to rebuild their lives were forced to take shelter again, highlighting the human cost of the conflict. Hamas denied involvement in the incident that killed the Israeli soldier and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire, though it warned that further escalation could disrupt humanitarian efforts, including the recovery of bodies.
Meanwhile, Israel restricted Red Cross access to Palestinian prisoners, citing security concerns, a move criticized by Hamas as a violation of international law. The ongoing dispute over the release of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, included in Hamas’ prisoner exchange list but still held by Israel, continues to underscore the political and humanitarian tensions in the region.
