A fragile ceasefire in Gaza is on the verge of collapse after Israel launched fresh airstrikes, closing crossings and leaving at least 51 Palestinians dead.
The escalation came after a "blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement" by Hamas, according to the Israel Defense Forces. Hamas fighters were accused of killing two Israeli occupation troops and wounding three others in Rafah.
The Israel Defense Forces said it has "now begun a wave of strikes" in southern Gaza "following a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement earlier today" by Hamas.
Mediation efforts are scrambling to preserve the truce, which has been fragile since its inception. The ceasefire was previously tested when Israeli forces killed 11 members of a Palestinian family attempting to return home during the truce.
The situation remains volatile, with humanitarian aid cut off and the flow of supplies blocked.
Author's summary: Gaza ceasefire nears collapse.