Israeli Air Strikes Target Gaza Amidst Fragile U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire

Renewed Hostilities in Gaza

Israeli fighter jets have carried out a series of air strikes across the Gaza Strip, specifically targeting eastern areas of Deir al-Balah and the Nuseirat refugee camp. These operations, which occurred primarily between October 28 and 29, 2025, have resulted in numerous casualties and have been widely described as a violation of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement.

Reports from medical sources in Gaza indicate a substantial loss of life. On October 29, 2025, at least 18 Palestinians, including children and women, were killed in an airstrike on the Abu Dalal family home in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Additionally, a tent sheltering displaced individuals in the Insan camp, located east of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, was bombed, killing five Palestinians, including children. Overall, medical sources reported that 91 Palestinians were killed across the Gaza Strip from Tuesday evening, October 28, to Wednesday morning, October 29, with 42 fatalities recorded in the central Gaza Strip alone.

The U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire

The recent escalation comes despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that officially went into effect on October 10, 2025. This agreement was intended to halt a two-year conflict that began with Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. The deal, facilitated by the Trump administration and welcomed by the United Nations on October 9, 2025, included provisions for a multi-phase plan. Key components of the ceasefire included:

• The release of Israeli hostages by Hamas.
• The release of Palestinian prisoners and detainees by Israel.
• The full and safe passage of humanitarian aid, food, and medical supplies into Gaza.

However, officials in Gaza have accused Israel of violating the ceasefire by allowing only 24% of the promised aid trucks into the territory. The fragile nature of the truce has been underscored by ongoing disputes, including the return of bodies of deceased hostages. On November 3, 2025, Hamas returned the bodies of three Israeli soldiers killed during the October 7, 2023, attack.

Accusations and Responses

Following the strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that he had ordered 'powerful attacks' in response to alleged ceasefire violations by Hamas. Israel accused Hamas of carrying out an attack against Israeli forces in an area under Israeli control. Conversely, Hamas denied involvement in a recent shooting incident in Rafah, reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire and accusing Israel of deliberately sabotaging the agreement.

The U.S. stance on the matter has been articulated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. On October 27, 2025, Rubio stated that the U.S. did not view Israel's bombardment of the Nuseirat refugee camp as a violation of the ceasefire, asserting Israel's right to self-defense against imminent threats. This statement followed a strike on Nuseirat that killed one person and injured four.

Humanitarian Concerns Persist

The renewed military actions have intensified humanitarian concerns, particularly as strikes have targeted residential areas and tents housing displaced persons. The ongoing violence threatens to unravel the already precarious ceasefire, raising fears of further escalation and a deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.