Israel escalates Gaza strikes, claims Hamas reneged on ceasefire agreement
Israeli airstrikes devastated parts of Gaza on Thursday, killing at least 75 people and wounding hundreds, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. The attacks came just hours after a fragile ceasefire agreement was announced by mediators Qatar and the United States, raising fears of further escalation.
The ceasefire, set to begin on Sunday, was aimed at ending months of bloodshed, including the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. It also promised steps toward a broader resolution of the conflict. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of “reneging on parts of the agreement” in what it called an attempt to secure “last-minute concessions.”
Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri dismissed the claims, saying they had “no basis,” while local residents in Gaza mourned the loss of dozens of lives in the latest strikes, including entire families.
The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has been marked by unprecedented suffering in Gaza. Israeli forces have bombarded the densely populated territory for months, killing more than 46,700 people, the vast majority civilians, according to the health ministry in Gaza. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, and hundreds of thousands remain displaced, enduring severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
The initial Hamas attack, described as the deadliest in Israeli history, killed 1,210 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. Among them, 94 are still held, with Israeli officials claiming 34 of those are dead.
While the ceasefire announcement brought hope to many, the timing of the latest Israeli strikes has overshadowed celebrations. In north Gaza, Saeed Alloush, who lost 40 family members in the strikes, described the night as one of devastation. “We were waiting for the truce and were happy, but this happiness turned to heartbreak,” he said.
In Tel Aviv, reactions were also mixed. While some expressed relief at the possibility of hostages returning, there was grief over those who had died. “This is a bittersweet moment,” said one resident.
Despite international efforts to mediate the deal, divisions within Israel’s ruling coalition have delayed its ratification. Far-right leaders, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have openly criticized the agreement, with Smotrich calling it “dangerous” and Ben Gvir labeling it “disastrous.”
The ceasefire deal, announced by Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, includes a 42-day initial truce during which hostages would be released, and displaced Palestinians allowed to return to their homes. The deal also calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza’s populated areas and increased humanitarian aid.
US President Joe Biden, who praised the agreement as a significant step toward peace, emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi also stressed the importance of reopening the Rafah crossing to deliver aid to the besieged territory.
The UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) welcomed the ceasefire, urging immediate and unhindered access to Gaza. “The suffering caused by this war is immense,” said UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini.
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RR beat RCB by six wickets in IPL
Guwahati (PTI): Blistering fifties by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Dhruv Jurel powered Rajasthan Royals to a six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their IPL match here on Friday.
Sent in to bat, RCB rode on a fighting half-century by skipper Rajat Patidar (63) to post 201 for 8.
Virat Kohli (32), Romario Shepherd (22) and Venkatesh Iyer (29) also chipped in with useful contributions.
In reply, Sooryavanshi (78 off 26 balls) and Dhruv Jurel (81 not out off 43 balls) shared a 37-ball 108-run partnership for the second wicket to set the platform. Krunal Pandya (2/30) tried to bring them back with back-to-back wickets.
But Jurel, in the company of Ravindra Jadeja (24), completed the task with another 68-run stand, with two overs to spare.
For RR, Jofra Archer (2/33), Ravi Bishnoi (2/32) and Brijesh Sharma (2/37) took two wickets.
Brief scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 201 for 8 in 20 overs (Rajat Patidar 63; Jofra Archer 2/33, Ravi Bishnoi 2/32, Brijesh Sharma 2/37).
Rajasthan Royals: 202 for 4 in 18 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 78, Dhruv Jurel 80 not out; Krunal Pandya 2/30, Josh Hazlewood 2/44).
