Israeli strikes kill five in Gaza; 580 dead since ceasefire

Violence Escalates Amidst Unresolved Peace Talks

Israeli airstrikes and gunfire have once again struck the heart of Gaza, leaving a trail of death and destruction. Health officials confirmed that five Palestinians were killed in two separate incidents on Tuesday, reinforcing the ongoing violence undermining a fragile ceasefire deal brokered by the United States.

Central Gaza: A Deadly Incident

In Deir Al-Balah, a Palestinian medics’ report detailed the fatal consequences of Israeli airstrikes. Two people were killed while riding an electric bike; later, another woman was struck down by an Israeli drone in the same area. In Khan Younis, south of Gaza City, troops shot dead a man after receiving gunfire from the Israeli side.

In north Gaza’s Jabalia refugee camp, a third Palestinian died at the hands of Israeli gunfire—a grim reminder that sporadic violence continues to unsettle residents. The latest victims joined a growing list of fatalities since October 7, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel resulting in over 1,200 casualties.

Community Response and Public Sentiment

Despite these tragic events, a group of hundreds gathered at the funerals of three Palestinians killed by an Israeli airstrike earlier that night. One body was draped in a Hamas flag, symbolizing its militants’ affiliation while another bore green ribbon indicating their support for Hamas. The identities of the deceased remain unknown.

A Broader Context

The conflict continues to ricochet between Israel and Hamas as both sides accuse each other of violating ceasefire terms. This cycle of blame has become a hallmark feature of this protracted war, with Trump’s proposed peace plan—calling for Hamas disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawal in exchange for an international force deployment—failing to quell the conflict.

Since October 7, over 580 Palestinians have perished at the hands of Israeli fire. Israel disputes these figures, citing that their side has lost four soldiers due to attacks by militants in Gaza. This asymmetric toll underscores the extreme violence and human suffering involved in this decades-long conflict.

Conclusion

With both sides unwilling to back down from mutual accusations, the ceasefire appears as fragile as ever. As Trump’s proposed resolution faces continued rejection, the future of peace negotiations remains uncertain amidst ongoing military confrontations in Gaza.