We begin tonight with breaking news from the Middle East, where hopes for peace are once again being dashed. Just hours after a high-profile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, violence has erupted in Gaza, with deadly consequences. According to local medical officials and residents, at least 40 Palestinians have been killed in a fresh wave of Israeli military strikes.
The renewed bloodshed follows a ceasefire deal brokered with the help of U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced what was seen as a diplomatic breakthrough in the regional conflict between Israel and Iran. That announcement sparked hope among Palestinians that an end to nearly two years of relentless warfare in Gaza might finally be in sight, but those hopes were quickly crushed.
Residents in Gaza, already reeling from widespread destruction and extreme hunger, say they feel abandoned. One elderly Gaza City resident, Adel Farouk, told SNEWS TV via a messaging app, “Enough! The whole universe has let us down. Hezbollah and now Iran have made deals, but Gaza is left behind.”
Shortly after that message, explosions were reported in Tehran. President Trump, in an uncharacteristically emotional outburst, accused both Iran and Israel of violating the deal, though he was particularly critical of Israel’s actions, even using a profanity in his response.
In central Gaza, the Al-Awda Hospital reported 19 dead and over 140 wounded. Crowds attempting to access food aid from the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation were reportedly fired upon. The Israeli military confirmed its forces were active nearby but said they were reviewing the reports of civilian casualties. Meanwhile, the GHF denied that any incident occurred near its aid site, raising further questions about accountability.
International concern is growing. The United Nations continues to reject Israel’s aid distribution mechanism—describing it as dangerous and biased. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, called the system “a death trap.”
Elsewhere in Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed ten people in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City, while eleven more were shot and killed in Khan Younis. Israeli officials maintain that Hamas operates from densely populated areas. Hamas denies using civilians as shields.
Many in Gaza are now calling for the Israel-Iran ceasefire to be extended to their territory. Despite this, the Israeli military today dropped evacuation leaflets across northern Gaza, signaling possible new offensives.
According to sources close to Hamas, there are renewed discussions underway about a ceasefire with Israel. Hamas leaders have expressed willingness to negotiate a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and discuss a prisoner exchange—terms Israel has so far refused, insisting Hamas must disarm first.
The war, which began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led militants launched a deadly surprise attack on Israel, has since killed over 56,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents are now displaced, and hunger is widespread.
As we continue to monitor developments, one question remains: Will the ceasefire that brought a momentary pause between nations be extended to save the people trapped in Gaza?
We will bring you updates throughout the hour.
Reporting by Carl Montel.
