Israel launched another round of airstrikes on Hamas early Thursday, reportedly killing 27 people, after the IDF accused the militant group of testing the military border zone “daily” — actions that mediators warn could unravel the already fragile cease-fire in Gaza.
Clashes were said to have erupted between Hamas militants and Israeli forces near Khan Younis along the “Yellow Line,” the boundary to which the IDF pulled back inside Gaza. The confrontation prompted Israel to carry out fresh strikes across the Strip.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry — which does not distinguish between civilians and militants — the latest assault left at least 27 people dead and another 88 injured. Since last month’s cease-fire began, the ministry claims the total Palestinian death toll has climbed to 307.
Qatari officials, who played a key role in brokering the cease-fire deal, expressed deep concern over the renewed violence and warned that repeated clashes and deadly strikes could jeopardize the delicate truce.
Qatar condemned what it called “brutal attacks by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip… and considers them a dangerous escalation that threatens to undermine the cease-fire agreement,” according to a statement from its foreign ministry.
Doha also urged the international community to work together to protect the cease-fire and prevent a return to full-scale war inside Gaza.
The IDF — which still controls roughly 53% of the Gaza Strip — has accused Hamas of repeatedly breaching the cease-fire terms outlined in President Trump’s agreement by crossing the Yellow Line, marked by physical yellow blocks and painted indicators dividing the enclave.
Since the truce took effect on Oct. 10, Hamas fighters have allegedly crossed the military boundary daily and engaged in several confrontations with Israeli troops, claims Hamas denies.
At least three major clashes have been reported along the Yellow Line since the cease-fire began, including one encounter in which two IDF soldiers were killed. Each incident has been followed by Israeli airstrikes.
Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, stationed at a base near the Yellow Line inside Gaza City, told the Times of Israel that Hamas has violated the cease-fire “hundreds” of times.
“Hamas tests us daily,” he said during a tour of the border on Wednesday.
Shoshani added that the alleged breaches show Hamas has no intention of giving up its weapons, a key requirement of the US-backed peace plan.
The rising tensions come just two days after the UN Security Council approved the formation of an international body to administer and oversee Gaza as part of Trump’s 20-point peace plan.
Despite the vote, uncertainty remains over which countries would be willing to send forces to confront Hamas, which has repeatedly declared it will not disarm unless a clear path toward a Palestinian state is established.
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