At least two Palestinians were killed and five others wounded Thursday following an Israeli strike east of Gaza City, according to local health officials, in an incident that underscores the fragile state of ceasefire negotiations.
The strike occurred amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to restore calm after weeks of sporadic violence. Officials did not immediately disclose the target of the strike, but regional observers say such incidents risk derailing delicate negotiations.
Humanitarian organizations warn the situation remains critical. Dozens of international aid groups recently issued urgent appeals to prevent restrictions that could hinder their operations, noting they collectively provide more than half of all food assistance in Gaza and operate most field hospitals serving civilians.
Residents say uncertainty has become part of daily life, with repeated flare-ups complicating efforts to rebuild infrastructure damaged in earlier fighting. Aid agencies also report rising malnutrition rates among children and shortages of essential medicines.
Geopolitical analysts caution that even isolated military incidents can have cascading diplomatic consequences. Negotiators often rely on periods of calm to build trust, and renewed violence may harden positions on both sides.
The latest strike comes as global mediators attempt to keep channels open between the parties. Whether the talks can survive continued security incidents remains uncertain.
