Israel Reaffirms Commitment to Gaza Ceasefire Amid Retaliatory Airstrikes Killing Over 100

Israel announced Wednesday that it remains committed to the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, even after launching retaliatory airstrikes following the death of an Israeli soldier. The strikes, which Gaza health officials said killed 104 people, marked the deadliest escalation since the truce—brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump—took effect on October 10 after two years of war.

According to the Israeli military, the soldier was killed in an attack by gunmen inside territory along the “yellow line,” an area from which Israeli troops had withdrawn under the truce. While Hamas denied involvement, Israel responded with targeted airstrikes across Gaza, claiming to hit 24 Hamas sites, including weapons depots and tunnels. Among the targets, Israel said, was a Hamas commander involved in the October 7, 2023, assault that ignited the conflict.

The Gaza health ministry reported that 46 children and 20 women were among the victims. In Nusseirat, witnesses said the Abu Dalal family was wiped out when their home was destroyed overnight. Despite the devastation, Israel’s government insisted it was still upholding the ceasefire while acting against what it called violations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel’s goal remains the disarmament and demilitarization of Hamas, emphasizing cooperation with U.S. forces monitoring the truce.

President Trump reiterated that the ceasefire remains intact, saying Israel had a right to defend itself and respond firmly to attacks. Mediator Qatar expressed frustration over the renewed violence, calling the events “very disappointing.”

Under the truce terms, Hamas freed all living hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and agreed to return the remains of those killed. However, Israel accuses Hamas of delaying the process.

As airstrikes continued, displaced Palestinians in Gaza expressed fear that the fragile peace could collapse once more.