The death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to **81** following overnight airstrikes conducted by Israeli forces, according to local hospital officials. This significant escalation comes as the fragile ceasefire—originally established on **October 10, 2023**—is reportedly back in effect, despite the recent violence.
Hospital officials from **Shifa Hospital** in Gaza City confirmed that the facility received the remains of **21 individuals**, including **seven women and six children**. Director **Mohammed Abu Selmia** indicated that many of the **45 wounded** patients are in critical condition, with around **20 children** among them. He anticipates that the death toll may continue to rise as more information becomes available.
Israeli military sources stated that they would adhere to the ceasefire agreement but warned of a firm response to any violations. The strikes were initiated after **Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu** ordered “powerful strikes” against Gaza, accusing Hamas of breaching the ceasefire. In response, Hamas announced a delay in the transfer of another hostage’s body.
During a trip to Asia, **U.S. President Donald Trump** expressed support for Israel’s actions, describing them as justified following an incident in which Hamas allegedly killed an Israeli soldier during an exchange of gunfire in **Rafah**, Gaza’s southernmost city. Hamas, however, denied any involvement in that incident, asserting that Israel had violated the ceasefire terms.
Hospitals across Gaza reported a surge in casualties following the airstrikes. The **Aqsa Hospital** in **Deir al-Balah** received at least **10 bodies**, including **three women and six children**, after two airstrikes struck the area. In **Khan Younis**, the **Nasser Hospital** reported **20 fatalities**, with **13 children** and **two women** among the victims. The **Al-Awda Hospital** also reported **30 bodies**, including **14 children**.
The escalation of violence has raised concerns about the sustainability of the ceasefire. Netanyahu’s strikes followed reports that Israeli troops were fired upon while working to dismantle Hamas infrastructure. The Israeli military identified **Master Sgt. Yona Efraim Feldbaum**, **37**, as the soldier killed during the incident, confirming that the attack was carried out by enemy fire.
Hamas condemned the Israeli airstrikes as a clear breach of the ceasefire. The group called for mediators to intervene and compel Israel to cease its military actions. “The violent strikes carried out by Israel across the strip is a blatant violation of the ceasefire deal,” a Hamas spokesperson stated.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of casualties. At the Al-Awda Hospital, ambulances and small trucks filled with bodies created chaos at the entrance. One woman described the terrifying moment of the strikes, stating, “They struck right next to us, and we saw all the rubble on top of us and our young ones.”
Survivors of the strikes are grappling with the aftermath. In a poignant moment, a displaced resident expressed despair, asking, “What kind of a ceasefire is this?” As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, hoping for a return to peace in a region long plagued by conflict.
