Gaza Tensions Flare as Truce Falter

A recent Israeli airstrike in Gaza resulted in the death of a Palestinian man, according to local health officials. The strike occurred near a vegetable market in the Shejaia neighborhood of Gaza City. The Israeli military claimed the target was a militant who posed a threat to their forces. This incident is part of a larger pattern of daily violations of a shaky truce that has, for the most part, ended two years of intense conflict. The Israeli military reported that its troops faced attacks from militants in areas of Gaza where they are still present as part of the U. S. -backed ceasefire agreement. Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza, has not yet responded to requests for comment. However, they have issued a statement detailing what they describe as numerous Israeli violations of the ceasefire, which has been in place since October. These violations have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 200 people. Since the ceasefire began, the Palestinian health ministry reports that at least 236 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in Israeli strikes. On the other hand, three Israeli soldiers have been killed by Palestinian gunmen during the same period. The Israeli military asserts that its strikes have been directed at dozens of militants. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will continue to respond to and prevent any threats to its troops in Gaza. He also warned that Israel will maintain its operations against Hamas. Netanyahu mentioned that Israel keeps Washington informed about its actions in Gaza. Hamas, in its statement, criticized the United States for not doing enough to ensure Israel adheres to the ceasefire agreement. General Dan Caine, the U. S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with Israel's military chief Eyal Zamir to discuss the situation in Gaza. Around 200 U. S. troops have been stationed in southern Israel to monitor the ceasefire and plan an international force to stabilize the region. Progress on the next steps of President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza has been minimal. Significant challenges remain, including the disarmament of Hamas and establishing a timeline for Israel's withdrawal from Gaza.