Source: Israeli strikes in Gaza kill at least 104 people, hospitals say | AP News
On Wednesday, the Israeli military declared a resumption of ceasefire after carrying out heavy airstrikes over Gaza. Ultimately, local health officials report that 104 people were killed, including 66 women and children, during this overnight attack. Israel claims the attacks were in response to violations of the ceasefire agreement by Hamas. However, the Israeli military has been criticized by its readiness to utilize hard military action in response to any perceived violations. Meanwhile, the militant group Hamas denies any such action and instead blames Israel for violating the peace deal. The strikes were the deadliest since before the start of the ceasefire, and thus will be the largest test of the deal to date. Civilian casualties are high with more than 200 people wounded in the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 29. Hitting 21 commanders of various levels within the militant group Hamas, the Israeli military has reported targeting of Hamas leaders while in their homes, with their families, alongside other families and shelters. Thus, contributing to the growing death toll of civilians and prompting international humanitarian concern. It is evident that each side blames the other for nearly every issue manifested in the conflict. Israel’s foreign ministry spokesperson blamed Hamas for the striking death toll, claiming that the militant group was using civilians and bystanders as shields.
While the ceasefire seemed promising to civilians, it has shown to be more of a redirection rather than solution. The Israeli military asserts its right to defend their citizens and territory from palestinian militants, framing the use of military force as a legitimate exercise of power to protect national security. On the other hand, Palestinians view Israel’s actions as a violation of their territorial sovereignty in addition to blocking their right to self-determination. The recognized status of the palestinian state complicates the legal and political guidelines around sovereignty. Without a shared agreement and commitment to peace, the war is far from resolved. In addition, continued violence threatens the stability of the surrounding region, sparking broader unrest in surrounding countries and in consequence, possibly pulling in regional powers such as Iran or Egypt. United States President Donald Trump defended Israel, claiming justification for military action after an Israeli Soldier and U.S citizen was killed by Hamas. According to Trump, he is confident that the ceasefire will be able to withstand the military escalations pioneered by Israel. Between Israel and Hamas, both humanitarian and diplomatic stakes are high as the world watches this unpredictable deeply rooted conflict unfold.