Israel keeps bombing Gaza despite approving first phase of ceasefire deal

The Israeli government on Thursday approved the first phase of the peace pact brokered by US President Donald Trump. Under the agreement, the initial phase includes the release of hostages, while Hamas is assured of a partial Israeli withdrawal from the enclave.

As part of the arrangement, Hamas is required to release Israeli hostages within 72 hours in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. The start of the ceasefire’s first phase was hailed by President Trump as a breakthrough toward peace.

However, despite endorsing the deal, Israel continued its military assault. In the early hours of Friday, occupation forces carried out attacks on the Katiba area in Khan Younis, while the northern parts of Gaza also witnessed heavy shelling by Israeli helicopters.

The escalation raised serious doubts about the durability of the ceasefire, as Tel Aviv appears relentless in its ongoing military operations despite international law and global appeals for restraint.

While President Trump and much of the international community celebrated the agreement as a step toward ending the offensive in Gaza, the Israeli government’s actions suggest otherwise.

On Thursday, Israeli strikes pounded multiple parts of Gaza, leaving at least 40 Palestinians trapped beneath the rubble after the massacre in the Sabra neighborhood.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Finance Minister criticised the release of Palestinian prisoners, describing it as “giving rise to a new generation of terrorist leaders.” It remains uncertain how long it will take for Gaza’s hopes in the deal to turn against the harsh reality on the ground.