One of the Bloodiest Days in Gaza With 42 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Strikes: What Happened on Sunday?

At least 42 Palestinians were killed across Gaza on Sunday as Israeli forces stepped up attacks, despite a ceasefire agreement, marking one of the bloodiest days since the truce came into effect.

What Happened on Sunday?

Israeli forces stepped up attacks across Gaza, killing at least 42 people and injuring several others, in a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement

According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, Israeli forces violated the ceasefire agreement on Sunday 21 times.

Since the ceasefire came into effect on October 10, Israel has violated the truce 80 times, added the Office, killing 97 people and injuring 230 others.

The violations included crimes of direct gunfire against civilians, deliberate shelling and targeting, and the arrest of a number of civilians, reflecting the occupation’s continued policy of aggression despite the declared end of the war, said the Office.

Israel alleged that Hamas targeted forces in the southern city of Rafah.

Israel’s public broadcaster claimed the strikes followed an “exchange of fire” with Hamas fighters. There were also reports about a detonation of an IED that caused damage and injured soldiers in Rafah after an Israeli settler’s bulldozer ran over unexploded ordnance and caused an explosion.

The Israeli military admitted it has carried out air strikes in Rafah, claiming Hamas targeted its soldiers.

The military statement said Palestinian fighters fired antitank missiles and guns in the direction of its soldiers. The Israeli army then responded with air raids.

Netanyahu also released a statement saying the military action was taken after he consulted senior defence officials.

Hamas’s military wing, the Qassam Brigades, responded to the allegations, saying the group is adhering to the ceasefire agreement with Israel and was unaware of fighting in Rafah.

“We have no knowledge of any incidents or clashes taking place in the Rafah area, as these are red zones under the occupation’s control, and contact with the remaining groups of ours there has been cut off since the war resumed in March of this year,” the Qassam said in a statement.

Hours later, the Israeli army issued a statement saying its forces had begun “reinforcing” the truce in Gaza “after a series of significant attacks”.

Separately, Netanyahu ordered the suspension of aid deliveries to Gaza upon the army’s recommendation, alleging Hamas’ violation “until further notice.” Later, Israel reversed the decision, reportedly following pressure from the US and mediators.

Asked by a reporter on board Air Force One whether the Gaza ceasefire is still in effect the US president responded: “Yes, it is.”

Following the attacks, Hamas issued a statement: “Hamas fully and faithfully upheld its commitment to the agreement, implementing its terms with precision and integrity.”

“At no point did the mediators or guarantors present any evidence suggesting that the movement had violated or obstructed the agreement. On the contrary, Hamas worked diligently and sincerely to implement the agreement in both letter and spirit, with the aim of achieving stability and easing the suffering of our people in the Gaza Strip.”

It added, “In contrast, the Israeli occupation authorities deliberately violated the agreement from the very first day the ceasefire took effect. They committed numerous serious violations and crimes against civilians. These breaches have been documented and submitted to the mediators, supported by photographs, reports, and irrefutable evidence.”