Israel Carries Out ‘Extensive Strikes’ in Gaza, Imperiling Cease-Fire Deal

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the region, Israel has carried out a series of “extensive strikes” in the Gaza Strip, putting at risk a fragile cease-fire deal that was brokered just a few days ago. The strikes, which targeted Hamas positions in response to incendiary balloons being launched from the Palestinian territory into Israel, have reignited fears of a return to the deadly conflict that plagued the region just a few weeks ago.

The Israeli military said in a statement that it had targeted Hamas military compounds and underground infrastructure in Gaza in response to the continued launching of incendiary balloons, which have caused numerous fires in southern Israel in recent days. The strikes marked the first major escalation of violence since the cease-fire deal was reached between Israel and Hamas in May, following an 11-day conflict that left more than 250 people dead, most of them Palestinians.

The latest round of violence comes at a sensitive time for both Israel and Hamas, as the two sides were in the process of negotiating a long-term cease-fire agreement that would include an easing of the Israeli blockade on Gaza and reconstruction efforts in the devastated territory. The Israeli government has faced criticism from right-wing politicians and residents of southern Israel for not taking stronger action against the incendiary balloons, which have become a symbol of Palestinian resistance in the absence of any progress on the peace process.

Hamas, for its part, has accused Israel of violating the cease-fire agreement by carrying out the strikes, and warned that it would respond with force if the attacks continue. The group’s military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, issued a statement saying that it was prepared to defend the Palestinian people and their rights, and would not hesitate to escalate the conflict if necessary.

The United Nations and other international actors have called for restraint on both sides, urging Israel to refrain from further military action and Hamas to stop the launching of incendiary balloons. The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, warned that the situation in Gaza was “very tense” and could quickly spiral out of control if both sides did not exercise restraint.

The latest round of violence in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated animosity and mistrust between Israel and the Palestinians, and the fragile nature of the cease-fire deal that was reached just a few weeks ago. With tensions running high and both sides seemingly unwilling to make concessions, the prospects for a lasting peace in the region remain elusive. As the international community watches nervously, hoping for a de-escalation of the conflict, the people of Gaza and southern Israel once again find themselves caught in the crossfire of a seemingly endless cycle of violence and retaliation.