Israeli airstrikes overnight in Gaza kill at least 60 people

Overnight Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 60 people, including many children, local hospital officials said Wednesday. The attacks mark the most serious escalation since the fragile ceasefire agreement took effect earlier this month.

The renewed violence followed an order from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directing the military to carry out “powerful strikes” in response to what he described as repeated ceasefire violations by Hamas.

In retaliation, Hamas announced it would postpone the handover of another hostage’s body, further straining efforts to maintain calm in the region.

Medical sources reported devastating scenes in several parts of Gaza. The Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah said it received at least 10 bodies overnight, including three women and six children, following two Israeli strikes in the city. In the south, Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported 20 dead from five separate airstrikes, among them 13 children and two women. The Al-Awda Hospital, also in central Gaza, confirmed receiving 30 bodies, including 14 children.

Netanyahu’s directive came shortly after an Israeli official said troops were attacked in southern Gaza, and following Hamas’ handover of body parts on Monday, remains Israel said belonged to one of its hostages from earlier in the conflict.

The United States initially sought to downplay the escalation, with Vice President JD Vance expressing hope that the “skirmishes” would subside quickly.

US President Donald Trump also addressed the situation, affirming that “nothing is going to jeopardise the ceasefire.” Speaking to reporters, he said Israel had “hit back after being attacked,” and stressed that “they should hit back.” Trump reiterated that Hamas “must behave” and respect the terms of the ceasefire agreement. Despite the rising death toll, he maintained that the truce “remains intact” and urged both sides to avoid further provocations.

The latest strikes have cast doubt over the durability of the ceasefire, raising fears of a renewed spiral of violence in the war-battered enclave.