Israeli Airstrikes Kill Over 100 in Gaza After Soldier’s Death

Jerusalem. Following the death of one of its soldiers, Israel launched a massive bombardment of the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, killing over 100 Palestinians. Despite this, Israel claimed it remains fully committed to the US-backed ceasefire. The Israeli military reported carrying out a "precision airstrike" near the Beit Lahiya area in northern Gaza, where Hamas weapons were reported to be stored. According to the military, dozens of targets were hit during the attack, including several Hamas command centers, weapons depots, and tunnels.

The Gaza Health Ministry said 104 people have been killed so far in these attacks, including 46 children and 20 women. The ministry accused the Israeli military of targeting civilian areas and that false claims were being made that the attacks were "defensive actions."

Soldier's death sparks tension

Israel alleges that Hamas militants killed one of its soldiers in Gaza on Tuesday. This incident is the first major violence since the ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump, which came into effect on October 10. Israel says the soldier was killed within the "Yellow Line," from where its forces withdrew under the ceasefire. However, Hamas denies this allegation.

Netanyahu says – We will achieve our goals

"We want to ensure that the goals that President Trump and we agreed on are ultimately achieved," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a military base in southern Israel. He said Israel will continue to abide by the ceasefire but will respond strongly to any attack.

Two-Year-Old Conflict

The violence in Gaza comes at a time when the war between the two sides, which began two years ago, has still not completely calmed down. Following a Hamas attack in October 2023, Israel launched a military operation in Gaza, which is still ongoing.  The Gaza Health Ministry said the 104 people killed in Israeli airstrikes included 46 children and 20 women. The Hamas-run Gaza government media office issued a statement saying the list of Israeli targets was "the result of a systematic campaign of misinformation, fabrication, and lies aimed at distorting the truth and concealing its ongoing crimes against civilians."