GAZA — A fragile ceasefire brokered by Egypt and Qatar has failed to stop the bloodshed in Gaza, as Israeli airstrikes killed three Palestinians and wounded 15 others on Sunday, deepening fears that the truce is unraveling before it can take hold. The latest attacks, confirmed by both Palestinian health officials and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), underscore the persistent volatility of the conflict, where diplomatic agreements repeatedly collapse under the weight of mutual distrust and ongoing hostilities.
What Happened
The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that the three fatalities occurred in separate incidents across the besieged territory. In the Nuseirat refugee camp, an Israeli airstrike targeted a residential building, killing one Palestinian and wounding several others. Additional strikes in northern and central Gaza left two more dead and 15 injured, some critically. Hospitals in Gaza, already overwhelmed by weeks of conflict, struggled to treat the influx of wounded amid dwindling medical supplies.
The IDF acknowledged conducting strikes but framed them as retaliatory measures. In a statement, the military claimed its operations were in response to rocket fire from Palestinian armed groups, specifically targeting “terrorist infrastructure” linked to Hamas. The IDF accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire by launching projectiles toward southern Israel, though no Israeli casualties were reported in the latest exchanges.
Witnesses in Gaza told Al Jazeera that Israeli drones and warplanes remained active over the territory throughout the day, with explosions heard in multiple locations. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that the continued hostilities were worsening an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Thousands of displaced Palestinians, many sheltering in overcrowded UN-run schools and facilities, face severe shortages of food, water, and medical aid.
Why It Matters
The latest violence raises urgent questions about the viability of the ceasefire, which had been in effect since Friday morning after days of intense fighting that left dozens dead on both sides. While both Israel and Hamas have publicly committed to the truce, the persistence of airstrikes and rocket fire suggests that neither side is fully invested in de-escalation. The humanitarian toll—including civilian casualties, mass displacement, and the destruction of critical infrastructure—has reached levels not seen since the early months of the war, which began in October 2023.
For Palestinians in Gaza, the ceasefire’s failure to halt attacks reinforces a grim reality: diplomatic agreements have repeatedly proven ineffective in providing lasting relief. Previous truces, including a week-long pause in November 2023, collapsed within days, often amid accusations of violations from both sides. The current situation risks repeating that pattern, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
For Israel, the strikes reflect a broader strategic posture: a refusal to tolerate any rocket fire from Gaza, even if it means undermining a ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office reiterated on Sunday that Israel would “respond forcefully to any violation” of the truce, a stance that aligns with the government’s long-standing policy of deterrence. However, critics argue that such responses often escalate rather than contain violence, particularly when civilian areas are hit.
Background and Context
The latest flare-up comes after months of relative calm in Gaza, punctuated by periodic outbreaks of violence. The war, which began after Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has killed more than 38,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, and displaced nearly 2 million people. Israel has reported over 1,200 deaths from the initial Hamas attacks, with dozens more killed in subsequent rocket fire and cross-border raids.
The current ceasefire was brokered by Egypt and Qatar, two regional mediators with historical ties to Hamas. Previous attempts at diplomacy have often faltered due to deep-seated mistrust between the parties. Hamas demands an end to Israel’s blockade of Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners, while Israel insists on the dismantling of Hamas’ military capabilities and the return of hostages still held in Gaza.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. The UN estimates that 85% of the population is internally displaced, with many living in makeshift shelters or open-air camps. Aid agencies warn of impending famine, as food supplies dwindle and critical infrastructure—including hospitals, water treatment plants, and bakeries—has been severely damaged or destroyed. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported outbreaks of disease, including cholera and hepatitis A, in overcrowded displacement camps.
Competing Claims and Uncertainty
The latest round of violence has been marked by conflicting narratives from both sides. Hamas officials accused Israel of deliberately undermining the ceasefire through its military actions, framing the strikes as part of a broader campaign of collective punishment. “Israel’s aggression proves it has no interest in peace,” a Hamas spokesperson told Al Jazeera. “The occupation continues to target civilians and civilian infrastructure, in violation of international law.”
Israel, meanwhile, has defended its strikes as necessary and proportionate responses to rocket fire. The IDF released footage on Sunday purporting to show Hamas militants launching projectiles from civilian areas, a tactic Israel has long condemned as a violation of the laws of war. However, independent verification of such claims remains difficult due to restricted access to Gaza for journalists and human rights investigators.
The role of smaller armed factions in Gaza further complicates the situation. While Hamas is the dominant political and military force in the territory, other groups—including Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades—have also launched rockets at Israel. These factions operate independently of Hamas and may not be bound by its agreements, making it harder to enforce a comprehensive ceasefire.
What to Watch Next
The immediate future of the ceasefire hangs in the balance. Several key factors will determine whether the truce holds or collapses entirely:
1. Mediator Intervention – Egypt and Qatar, which have played pivotal roles in past negotiations, are likely to intensify their efforts to salvage the ceasefire. Both countries have leverage over Hamas, but their ability to pressure Israel is limited. The United States, which has historically backed Israel’s military actions, could play a decisive role in urging restraint—but so far, the Biden administration has not publicly condemned the latest strikes.
2. Hamas’ Response – If Hamas perceives the ceasefire as unsalvageable, it may resume large-scale rocket attacks on Israel, risking a full-scale military escalation. Alternatively, the group could seek to de-escalate by reining in smaller factions, though its control over all armed groups in Gaza is not absolute.
3. Israeli Domestic Politics – Netanyahu’s government faces pressure from hardline coalition partners, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who have called for a more aggressive military posture. Any perception of weakness in responding to rocket fire could embolden these factions, making it harder for Netanyahu to maintain the ceasefire.
4. Humanitarian Crisis – The longer the violence persists, the more severe the humanitarian emergency becomes. Aid agencies have warned that Gaza is on the brink of a “catastrophic” famine, with the UN estimating that 500,000 people are already experiencing “catastrophic hunger.” If the ceasefire collapses, the delivery of critical aid—already severely restricted—could grind to a halt.
5. International Reactions – The United Nations and human rights organizations are likely to condemn the latest strikes, particularly if civilian casualties continue to mount. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes, and further violence could strengthen calls for accountability. However, Israel has dismissed the ICC’s jurisdiction, and the U.S. has shielded it from UN Security Council resolutions.
Conclusion
The latest killings in Gaza serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of ceasefires in a conflict defined by cycles of violence, mutual distrust, and competing narratives. While diplomatic efforts have temporarily reduced the intensity of fighting, they have yet to address the underlying drivers of the war—Israel’s blockade of Gaza, Hamas’ control of the territory, and the broader failure of the peace process.
For now, the ceasefire exists in name only. The coming days will determine whether it can be salvaged or whether Gaza will once again descend into full-scale war. What is clear is that without a sustained diplomatic push—backed by real pressure on both sides—the people of Gaza will continue to pay the price.
Story synopsis gathered from: [Al Jazeera News](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/7/13/three-palestinians-killed-15-wounded-in-israeli-attacks-across-gaza?traffic_source=rss) — source.
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Story synopsis gathered from: Al Jazeera News — source.
