Israel Strikes Gaza, Killing 19, Mostly Women and Children, After Claiming Hamas Violated Truce

Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 19 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, by midday Wednesday, according to hospital officials. Among those killed were five children, including a 5-month-old and a 10-day-old baby; seven women; and a paramedic. Israel claimed it was responding to a militant attack that seriously wounded an Israeli soldier. The escalating Palestinian death toll has threatened the U.S.-backed ceasefire, with over 530 Palestinians killed since the truce began on October 10, 2025. Hospital officials and Palestinian leaders have condemned the ongoing strikes, questioning the effectiveness of the ceasefire. Israeli military sources stated they would continue strikes, defending their actions as responses to Hamas violations. The attacks occurred in multiple locations including north Gaza, Khan Younis, and Gaza City, with strikes targeting buildings and family tents. The Gaza health ministry reports that over 71,800 Palestinians have been killed since the war's start.