Gaza Ceasefire Crumbles Further as Israeli Strikes Kill at Least 5, Officials Say

 Violence persists despite US-brokered truce, with both sides trading accusations as civilian toll continues to mount.

GAZA CITY – Israeli strikes killed at least five people in Gaza on Friday, according to the territory’s civil defense ministry, in the latest violation of a fragile ceasefire that has so far failed to halt violence in the Palestinian territory.

The civil defense agency, which operates as a rescue force under Hamas authorities, reported two separate incidents. An airstrike in central Gaza during the early hours of Friday killed at least two people and left one seriously injured. Hours earlier, a drone strike in the southern strip killed three people and wounded several others shortly after midnight.

The deaths mark the continuation of hostilities despite a US-brokered truce that entered its second phase last month. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the terms of the agreement.

Truce Under Strain

Under the ceasefire terms, which took effect on October 10, Israeli troops withdrew to positions behind a so-called “Yellow Line,” though they maintain control over more than half of the territory. The arrangement was intended to de-escalate the conflict, but violence has persisted on both sides.

Gaza’s health ministry, which operates under Hamas authorities, has previously reported that at least 601 people have been killed since the truce began. The Israeli military says at least four of its soldiers have been killed during the same period.

Verification Challenges

Media restrictions and limited access in Gaza have prevented independent verification of casualty figures or comprehensive coverage of the ongoing fighting. AFP, which reported the latest deaths, noted the constraints on journalists operating in the territory.

The continued violence raises questions about the durability of the ceasefire agreement and the prospects for a lasting resolution to the conflict, as international mediators face mounting challenges in keeping both parties committed to the truce.