At least 24 Palestinians were reported killed in Gaza on Wednesday following a series of Israeli strikes, according to health officials. The strikes targeted multiple locations across the Gaza Strip and come amid a fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States, which began on October 10th.
Escalation of Hostilities
Israel stated the strikes were in response to both a Hamas attack that seriously wounded one of its soldiers and broader efforts to eliminate militant threats. Specifically, the Israeli military identified three leaders killed in the strikes: Bilal Abu Assi, a Hamas platoon commander involved in the October 7th attack on southern Israel; Ali Raziana, commander of Islamic Jihad’s northern Gaza brigade; and Muhammad Issam Hassan al-Habil, accused in the death of Israeli soldier Noa Marciano, who was taken hostage on October 7th.
The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reported 21 deaths from the strikes, including three children, and at least 38 wounded. The civil defence agency reported two additional deaths and eight injuries resulting from a strike on a tent in central Gaza, and one death west of Gaza City. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies expressed outrage over the killing of paramedic Hussein Hassan Hussein Al-Samiri during a bombardment in the Al-Mawasi area.
Ceasefire Under Strain
While Hamas has released all hostages it held, and Israel has released several thousand Palestinians in return, the broader terms of the ceasefire remain contentious. Israel maintains that Hamas must relinquish control of the Gaza Strip and fully disarm, a condition Hamas has not yet met. Eight countries, including Egypt and Qatar, have recently condemned what they describe as “repeated violations” of the ceasefire deal by Israel.
Further complicating matters, the implementation of the ceasefire has been uneven. While the Rafah border crossing reopened on Monday, allowing for limited passage of Palestinians, the process has been plagued by delays, interrogations, and uncertainty. On Wednesday, of 15 patients scheduled to cross into Egypt, more than half were turned away, according to Raed al-Nims, a spokesperson for the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Other elements of the agreement, including the deployment of an international security force, the formation of a Palestinian government in Gaza, and reconstruction efforts, have stalled.
The Israeli military also reported targeting individuals approaching Israeli-controlled territory near the “yellow line” – a demarcation line established under a previous ceasefire agreement. Palestinians claim Israeli soldiers routinely fire upon those near this line, which is reportedly unmarked in some areas and positioned further into the Strip than originally agreed upon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the ceasefire?
The ceasefire, which began on October 10th, is fragile and facing challenges. While some elements, such as the release of hostages and prisoners, have been implemented, other key components remain stalled, and recent Israeli strikes threaten to unravel the agreement.
Who was targeted in Wednesday’s Israeli strikes?
Israel stated it targeted three militant leaders: Bilal Abu Assi, Ali Raziana, and Muhammad Issam Hassan al-Habil. The strikes were presented as responses to Hamas attacks and efforts to eliminate threats to Israeli forces.
What is the situation at the Rafah border crossing?
The Rafah border crossing reopened on Monday, but passage for Palestinians has been limited and fraught with difficulties, including delays, interrogations, and the denial of entry for many seeking medical care.
What will be the impact of these recent events on the future of the ceasefire and the broader conflict remains to be seen.
