Chaos and bloodshed in Gaza again as Israel kills 20 in missile attacks

The Israeli military conducted a series of attacks across Gaza on Tuesday, killing at least 20 Palestinians, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered “powerful” strikes in response to an exchange of alleged gunfire in southern Rafah that left one Israeli soldier wounded.

Israeli missiles struck a residential building in the Sabra neighbourhood of northern Gaza, while five more people were killed in separate attacks on southern Khan Younis.

Scenes of panic and devastation were witnessed in the aftermath of the Israeli strikes, with children among the dead and injured. One of the projectiles reportedly landed near Al-Shifa Hospital.

Israel continues to violate the ceasefire under various pretexts and has killed 94 Palestinians since world leaders signed a joint agreement earlier this month to help ensure peace in Gaza.

The assaults represent the most significant escalation of violence since a ceasefire, brokered by US President Donald Trump took effect in the war-torn enclave on October 10.

Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, accused Israel of breaching the truce. In a statement, the group cautioned that any further Israeli escalation would impede ongoing efforts to locate and recover the bodies of the remaining 13 captives in Gaza.

Meanwhile, in Washington, US Vice President JD Vance maintained that the ceasefire remained in place despite reports of renewed hostilities.

“That doesn’t mean there won’t be minor skirmishes,” Vance told reporters on Capitol Hill. “We understand that Hamas or another group in Gaza attacked an Israeli soldier, and Israel is expected to respond. Nonetheless, the president’s peace initiative will hold.”

Hamas, however, denied any involvement in the Rafah incident.