Gaza Ceasefire Cracks: 1 Killed, 6 Wounded as Israel and Hamas Trade Blame

While diplomats talk peace, the guns in Gaza have not fallen silent. A fragile ceasefire that began in October is on the brink of collapse after Israeli attacks across the enclave killed at least one Palestinian and wounded six others, including a child. The renewed violence comes amid threats of retaliation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Violence Erupts Amid Fragile Truce

According to reports from Al Jazeera and Reuters on Wednesday, Israeli forces opened fire on civilians in Jabalia, northern Gaza, killing a man named Ayoub Abdel Ayesh Nasr and wounding two others. Separately, medical sources told the Palestinian Wafa news agency that three people were shot and wounded east of Khan Younis, while a child was also injured by gunfire in the Maghazi refugee camp. Gaza's Ministry of Health claims that Israeli forces have killed more than 400 people since the ceasefire started. The Gaza Government Media Office accused Israel of violating the truce 875 times.

A Cycle of Accusations

The situation escalated after an explosive device detonated in Rafah, southern Gaza, which Israel said injured one of its soldiers. PM Netanyahu's office quickly stated that Israel would retaliate. Hamas denied responsibility, suggesting the device was likely left over by Israeli forces in an area they fully controlled. The group reiterated its commitment to the October 10 ceasefire. These events unfold as diplomatic efforts continue; an Israeli delegation met with mediators in Egypt to discuss the return of a captive police officer's remains, while Hamas officials discussed the situation with Turkiye's foreign minister.

Trump's Peace Plan on Life Support

The violence undermines a 20-point plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump in September, of which only the first phase has taken effect. The plan's fundamental roadblock remains: it calls for Hamas to disarm and for Israel to pull out. Hamas insists it will only hand over arms once a Palestinian state is established—a condition Israel says it will never allow. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House next week to discuss the plan's next phase.