Gaza Ceasefire In Jeopardy As Israeli Airstrikes Escalate Tensions

Doha: Hopes for a Gaza ceasefire dwindled on Wednesday after Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed eight people and injured 25 others, even as a truce was set to take effect at 8:30 am local time (06:30 GMT). Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani had announced the ceasefire deal, but an unexpected escalation has cast doubts on its viability.

Gaza’s civil defence agency spokesperson Mahmoud Basal confirmed the casualties, raising concerns that the fragile agreement could collapse before it begins. The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas was expected to halt fighting temporarily, secure the release of three Israeli captives, and facilitate the freedom of around 95 Palestinian prisoners.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted the truce would only start once Hamas provided the captives’ names. While Hamas attributed the delay to “technical” issues, its armed wing announced via Telegram that the names had been disclosed. Netanyahu’s office later confirmed receipt of the list, signalling that the release process could begin.

Since October 2023, Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed over 46,899 Palestinians and wounded 110,725. Conversely, the Hamas-led attack on Israel claimed 1,139 lives, with more than 200 individuals taken hostage.