Escalation in Gaza: Israeli Airstrikes Claim 22 Lives Amid Ongoing Tensions

Sun Nov 23 2025 19:07:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 22 Palestinians, intensifying the already fragile situation following a previously agreed ceasefire. The strikes come as both sides accuse each other of ceasefire violations, raising concerns about further escalation of violence.

Israeli airstrikes in northern and central Gaza have left at least 22 Palestinians dead, including a senior Hamas commander. The attacks were reportedly in response to earlier violence, with claims of a ceasefire being breached by both sides. Amid accusations and escalating tensions, the conflict continues to impact the civilian population, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

At least 22 Palestinians have been killed in a series of Israeli air strikes across northern and central Gaza, according to officials from Hamas and local civil defense. The strikes targeted five locations, including residential areas, with reports confirming that a senior Hamas commander is among the deceased.

The Israeli military justified the actions by stating that they were in response to an incident where an armed terrorist fired on Israeli soldiers after crossing into an area under full Israeli control. This claim has been denied by Hamas.

Since the ceasefire was established six weeks ago, both parties have accused one another of violations. The latest strikes have increased the death toll to over 310 Palestinians since the ceasefire came into effect, according to the Gaza health ministry.

The civil defense reported that the strikes affected multiple areas including Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Nuseirat camp. Witness accounts indicated that one airstrike set a car ablaze in a crowded area of Gaza City, and additional strikes took place in residential homes resulting in numerous fatalities.

The Prime Minister's office in Israel reacted by claiming that Hamas had once again breached the ceasefire, indicating a response by eliminating several key Hamas figures. In contrast, Hamas condemned the airstrikes as blatant violations of the ceasefire agreement, calling for international intervention to address the situation and uphold the ceasefire conditions.

This resurgence of violence follows an offensive launched by Israel in response to a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages taken. The current situation is dire, with overall fatalities in Gaza reportedly exceeding 69,500 since the inception of military operations.