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Deadly violence erupts in Maghazi refugee camp
At least 10 Palestinians died on Monday in central Gaza after Israeli airstrikes and clashes between Hamas forces and an Israel-backed militia, local sources reported. The strikes targeted Hamas security personnel following armed confrontations east of Maghazi refugee camp.
Hospital reports casualties
Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah received the bodies of the 10 victims, a spokesperson confirmed. Dozens more were injured, with some in critical condition. Neither the Israeli military nor Hamas has issued an immediate statement regarding the incident.
Unclear sequence of events
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with members of the Israel-backed militia establishing a checkpoint near Maghazi before coming under attack by Hamas security forces. Israeli drones reportedly intervened, launching airstrikes on Hamas positions in three separate locations. The exact timeline of the violence remains disputed.
Ceasefire violations fuel tensions
Israel and Hamas have traded accusations of repeated ceasefire violations since agreeing to a truce nearly six months ago. According to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, Israeli attacks have killed at least 723 Palestinians during this period. The Israeli military reports five of its soldiers have died in attacks by Palestinian groups over the same timeframe.
Disarmament remains contentious issue
The demand for Hamas to disarm has stalled progress toward the second phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan. Last week, Hamas representatives met with Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators in Cairo to discuss a U.S.-led proposal for Palestinian groups to decommission their weapons.
"We will not accept raising the issue of weapons in this crude manner. What the enemy failed to take from us by tanks and destruction, it will not take from us through politics or at the negotiating table."
Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for Hamas's military wing
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously warned Hamas that disarmament would occur "either the easy way or the hard way."
Hamas frames Gaza conflict as regional struggle
Abu Ubaida linked Hamas's fight in Gaza to broader tensions between Israel, the U.S., Iran, and its allies. He praised recent missile, drone, and rocket attacks on Israel by Iranian forces, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen, calling them an "extension" of Hamas's October 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel.
That attack, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages, triggered Israel's military campaign in Gaza. According to Gaza's health ministry, more than 72,300 Palestinians have died in the ensuing conflict.
