Israeli military forces destroyed the Gaza Strip from the air on Tuesday night, October 28th. According to local health authorities, at least 26 citizens died as a result of the strikes. Among them are children and women. According to Reuters, one of the most severe cases was observed at the Burage refugee camp - a direct bombing of one house killed five people. Also, four people died in a building in the Sabra neighborhood, and five people in one car in the city of Khan Yunus.
Witnesses say the strikes continued until dawn. Many buildings were destroyed, and aid teams continue to search for victims among the unarmed population.
The attacks began after a statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It stated firmly that "Israel will respond with its power," but did not specify the exact reason for the strike. According to Reuters sources, Hamas forces allegedly attacked military personnel in a part of Israel's territory.
Hamas, however, stated in its statement that it had nothing to do with the incident and that the armed clashes in Rafah were beyond its control. "We are fully complying with the terms of the truce. The current attacks are an attempt to disrupt the peace process," the group's statement said. They called on the mediating countries to exert pressure on Israel.
Some analysts interpret this event as an excuse for Israel to launch a new military phase against Gaza. According to them, the uncertainty in recent weeks may have served as a "legitimate reason" for new strikes against Israel.
Following the attacks, US President Donald Trump also responded. According to him, "peace is not in danger," but Israel "has the right to respond to the attack." "If an Israeli soldier is killed, it's natural that there will be a response. They have the right to defend themselves," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
Trump stated that "Hamas is just a small part of the Middle East peace process. If they are peaceful, it is good; if not, the result will be difficult."
The truce in Gaza, which had been in effect since October 10, was supported by America. Through this agreement, both sides ceased fire and began the process of prisoner exchange. However, the explosions of recent days have once again shown the fragility of the truce.
Thus, Gaza is once again in the spotlight of the world. Each subsequent explosion not only disrupts the lives of civilians, but also delays hope for stability in the Middle East.
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