Corpses continue falling, Israel’s deadliest ceasefire breach kills 104 in Gaza

GAZA, Palestine (MNTV) — At least 104 Palestinians, including 46 children, were killed overnight as Israel launched air and artillery strikes across the Gaza Strip, marking the deadliest breach of the ceasefire to date, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

The attacks struck several residential areas, including the Nuseirat refugee camp, Khan Younis, and parts of Gaza City. Hospitals were overwhelmed as dozens of wounded arrived amid fuel shortages and power cuts. Civil Defense teams called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and urged the opening of humanitarian corridors to allow fuel, medical equipment, and rescue supplies to enter the enclave.

Among those killed was journalist Mohammed Al-Muneerawi of Falasteen newspaper, whose death brought to 256 the number of Palestinian journalists killed since October 2023.

Israel said the strikes were in response to an exchange of fire in the southern city of Rafah, where an Israeli reservist was killed. The army accused Palestinian fighters of launching anti-tank missiles and sniper fire from tunnels. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered “powerful strikes” after claiming Hamas had violated the truce by staging attacks during the hostage handover process.

Despite the heavy civilian toll, the Israeli military said it had “resumed enforcing the ceasefire” under political direction, insisting that its actions were defensive.

Hamas denied any violations and accused Israel of using the truce as cover for renewed aggression. The group reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire deal signed in Sharm el-Sheikh under U.S. sponsorship and urged international mediators to pressure Israel to stop its attacks. It also blamed Washington for enabling Tel Aviv to “impose new realities by force.”

Since the war began in October 2023, at least 68,527 Palestinians have been killed and 170,395 wounded, according to health officials.

In Gaza City, rescue teams pulled dozens of bodies from beneath collapsed buildings, often without proper equipment or fuel for ambulances. Many displaced families said they feared the strikes marked the beginning of a wider offensive. One survivor described the night as “the loudest and darkest since the war began.”

Hospitals, already struggling with limited power and medical supplies, warned that any renewed military escalation could cause a total collapse of Gaza’s fragile health system.

The Civil Defense said emergency services were running out of diesel, which powers generators at hospitals and shelters. Aid groups warned that relief convoys remained stuck at border crossings because of Israeli restrictions.

Global reaction

The strikes sparked widespread international condemnation.

European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera called Israel’s assault “genocidal” and said Europe “needs a chance for peace, not excuses for new strikes.” Although the EU stopped short of naming Israel in its official statement, it urged “all parties” to respect the ceasefire.

Germany urged both Israel and Hamas to adhere to the U.S.-brokered 20-point plan that underpins the truce. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the destruction as “unimaginable” and said the fragile ceasefire was “the only route to lasting peace.”

Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks as a “clear violation” of the ceasefire and expressed deep concern over the mounting civilian deaths. Ankara reiterated its support for a “just and lasting peace” and vowed continued solidarity with the Palestinian people.

In Washington, President Donald Trump defended Israel’s right to retaliate after the killing of its soldier but maintained that “the ceasefire remains intact.”

Despite these assurances, analysts warn the latest escalation has left the truce hanging by a thread, with growing fears that Gaza could soon slide back into full-scale war.