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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Deeply distressed by loss of lives in Odisha hospital fire incident: President Murmu
New Delhi (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu on Monday condoled the loss of lives in the fire incident at a hospital in Odisha and prayed for a speedy recovery of the injured.
At least ten patients were killed after a major fire erupted in an ICU in Odisha government-run SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, in the wee hours of Monday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said.
"Deeply distressed by the loss of lives in the tragic fire incident at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured," Murmu said in a post on X.
