Why did Israel carry out strikes on Gaza then return to the truce? Salam
As-salamu alaykum - This is hard to read. Palestinians in Gaza faced the deadliest 24 hours since the US-brokered ceasefire began nearly three weeks ago. Israel carried out strikes late Tuesday and into Wednesday, killing over 100 people, including many children, and hitting areas across Gaza.
According to local medical sources, the attacks flattened residential buildings and tents of displaced families. Rescue teams again had to dig by hand searching for survivors and the dead. at least 18 members of one family in central Gaza - children, parents and grandparents - were among those killed.
Israel said by midday Wednesday it was returning to the truce on orders from political leaders but that its forces remained ready to strike again if needed. The military said it had hit more than 30 targets, calling them “command figures” in armed groups. Hamas’s armed wing says the strikes were unjustified and has accused Israel of using false pretexts to renew attacks.
Tensions around the exchange of remains and captives are part of the dispute. Israel said a body transferred after it was inspected did not match one of the 13 to be returned under the deal. The armed group in Gaza said it would hand over remains at a scheduled time but delayed after strikes were ordered. International staff said they were not aware a body had been placed before they arrived.
Under the ceasefire that began on October 10, the group handed over dozens of living captives and some remains; a number of captives’ bodies remain unrecovered. Israel has allowed some humanitarian aid into Gaza but far below the 600 trucks a day the agreement specifies, and shipments of tents and mobile homes have been restricted. Heavy equipment has been allowed in at times to look for remains.
Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports very large casualty figures since October 2023, with huge numbers killed and wounded and widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure and livelihoods. Civilians have borne the brunt of the violence, and people in Gaza continue to live with the daily fear that strikes may resume. Israeli aircraft and drones have continued to hover over the enclave.
Diplomatically, the United States has continued to back Israel, stressing its right to self-defence even as the ceasefire has been violated. Mediators such as Qatar and Egypt have worked to keep the deal alive while condemning breaches.
Many Palestinians and observers fear the pause will not hold, and calls for increased humanitarian access, the recovery of remains, and a durable end to the fighting remain urgent. May Allah grant safety to the innocent, ease the suffering of the people of Gaza, and guide leaders toward a just and lasting peace. Amin.
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