What's happened
On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 24 Palestinians, including children, across Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Nuseirat camp. The strikes followed Israeli claims of ceasefire violations by Hamas, which denies the accusations. The fragile ceasefire, brokered by the US in October, has seen repeated violations and over 310 Palestinian deaths since its inception.
What's behind the headline?
Fragile Ceasefire Under Strain
The recent Israeli airstrikes underscore the fragility of the ceasefire established in October 2025. Despite the truce's intent to halt hostilities, the pattern of violence reveals a slow but steady erosion of peace efforts. Israel justifies its strikes as responses to alleged Hamas attacks, including cross-border shootings exploiting humanitarian aid routes. Hamas denies these claims, framing Israeli actions as systematic violations aimed at undermining the ceasefire.
Humanitarian Impact and Psychological Toll
The strikes have inflicted significant civilian casualties, including children, deepening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Personal accounts, such as that of Faiq, who lost multiple family members and now lives in constant fear, highlight the psychological trauma endured by Gazans. The ongoing violence disrupts any semblance of normal life, with infrastructure and livelihoods devastated.
Political and Strategic Dimensions
The conflict's persistence reflects broader political complexities, including Israeli troop withdrawals, increased aid flows, and contentious issues like prisoner exchanges and territorial control. The surge in violence in the West Bank alongside Gaza's conflict signals a wider regional instability, exacerbated by Israeli settler actions and military raids.
Forecast and Consequences
Without renewed and effective mediation, the ceasefire risks collapse, potentially reigniting full-scale conflict. The international community's role, particularly the US and UN, remains critical in pressuring both sides to adhere to agreements. For readers, the conflict's continuation signals ongoing instability in the Middle East with global geopolitical repercussions.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera's Maram Humaid provides a poignant human perspective, sharing Faiq's story of survival amid repeated Israeli strikes and the psychological toll on Gazan families. Al Jazeera's broader coverage highlights the death toll and the fragile nature of the ceasefire, noting over 318 Palestinians killed since October 10. SBS and France 24 report on the specific airstrikes on Saturday, detailing casualties and Israel's justification citing ceasefire violations, while Hamas denies these claims and calls for international intervention. Sky News and The Independent echo these points, emphasizing the ongoing violence despite the truce and Israel's military responses to alleged attacks. France 24 adds context on the UN Security Council's recent approval of a US blueprint for Gaza's governance, underscoring the international dimension. These sources collectively illustrate a complex narrative of ongoing violence, contested ceasefire adherence, and deepening humanitarian crisis.
How we got here
The two-year Gaza conflict began after Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023, killing over 1,200 people and taking hostages. A US-brokered ceasefire started on October 10, 2025, easing hostilities but not ending violence. Both sides accuse each other of violations, with Israel conducting airstrikes in response to alleged attacks.
Go deeper
- What triggered the recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza?
- How has the ceasefire affected daily life in Gaza?
- What role is the international community playing in the Gaza conflict?
Common question
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The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has seen diplomatic efforts hit a dead end, with peace talks stalled despite international pressure. Many wonder what’s causing the impasse and whether there’s hope for future negotiations. Below, we explore the key reasons behind the deadlock and what it means for the future of peace in the region.
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Gaza Conflict Update: What’s Really Happening Now?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza remains complex and tense, with recent Israeli airstrikes, fragile ceasefires, and deep humanitarian concerns. Many people are asking what’s happening on the ground, why violence continues despite efforts to pause hostilities, and how civilians are affected. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the current situation to help you understand the latest developments and the broader context of this ongoing crisis.
More on these topics
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to:
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Gaza City, often simply called Gaza, is a city in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, and the capital of the Gaza Governorate. Located on the Mediterranean coast, 76.6 kilometres (47.6 mi) southwest of Jerusalem, it was home to Palestine's only port. With a popula