Israeli Strikes in Gaza Put Fragile Ceasefire at Risk as Collapsing Buildings Add to Civilian Toll

GAZA CITY/JERUSALEM — Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Sunday threatened to unravel a fragile ceasefire that has held for just over three weeks, killing at least one Palestinian and injuring several others. The attacks, which targeted sites in central and northern Gaza, came as thousands of displaced residents attempted to return to their homes, only to face a new danger: buildings weakened by months of bombardment and now at risk of collapse.

The strikes marked the most serious flare‑up since the U.S.‑brokered truce took effect earlier this month. Palestinian officials said Israeli warplanes hit multiple locations, including the Nuseirat refugee camp, where one man was killed and several others wounded. The Israeli military confirmed the operations, saying they were aimed at “terror infrastructure” following what it described as violations of the ceasefire by Hamas militants.

The renewed violence underscored the fragility of the truce, which has been hailed internationally as a rare opportunity to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It also highlighted the compounding dangers facing civilians: even in areas where the guns have fallen silent, damaged buildings are collapsing without warning. On Saturday, a nine‑year‑old child was killed in Gaza City when a partially destroyed apartment block gave way, crushing him beneath the rubble.

Ceasefire Under Strain

The ceasefire, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump with support from Egypt and Qatar, was intended to halt more than two years of devastating conflict that has left tens of thousands dead and Gaza in ruins. Under the terms of the agreement, Israel agreed to scale back its military presence in southern Gaza, while Hamas pledged to stop rocket fire and cross‑border attacks. Humanitarian aid was allowed to flow into the enclave for the first time in months, offering a lifeline to its 2.2 million residents.

For three weeks, the truce largely held, with only sporadic skirmishes reported. But tensions escalated over the weekend after Israeli forces said they came under fire in central Gaza. The military accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire and vowed to respond. Within hours, airstrikes were launched on what Israel described as weapons depots and tunnel networks.

Palestinian officials denied that Hamas had carried out any attacks, accusing Israel of using unverified incidents as a pretext to resume hostilities. “This is a dangerous escalation that threatens to collapse the ceasefire,” said Ismail Haniyeh, a senior Hamas leader. “The resistance remains committed to the truce, but Israel continues to provoke.”

The dueling narratives reflect the deep mistrust between the two sides. Analysts warn that even limited strikes could spiral into a broader conflict if not contained. “The ceasefire is hanging by a thread,” said Hugh Lovatt, a Middle East analyst at the European Council on Foreign Relations. “Both sides are testing the limits, and civilians are paying the price.”

The Hidden Danger of Collapsing Buildings

As the ceasefire falters, Gazans returning to their neighborhoods face another lethal hazard: the risk of structural collapse. Months of heavy bombardment have left thousands of buildings partially destroyed, their foundations weakened and walls cracked. With little equipment or expertise available, residents are attempting to salvage belongings from homes that could crumble at any moment.

The problem has become so acute that local authorities have issued warnings urging people not to enter damaged structures. But with housing scarce and winter approaching, many families feel they have no choice. “We cannot live in tents forever,” said Amal Abu Daqqa, a mother of three in Khan Younis. “Our house is broken, but it is still standing. We go inside to collect clothes and food, even though we know it could fall.”

The dangers are not hypothetical. On Saturday, a nine‑year‑old boy was killed when a building in Gaza City collapsed as he played nearby. Rescue workers say such incidents are becoming more frequent, with at least a dozen reported deaths from collapses in the past month. “These buildings are ticking time bombs,” said Mahmoud al‑Najjar, a civil defense official. “Every day we see new cracks, new collapses. Without reconstruction, more lives will be lost.”

International aid agencies have called for urgent support to assess and stabilize damaged structures. But progress has been slow, hampered by restrictions on imports of construction materials and the sheer scale of destruction. The United Nations estimates that more than 60 percent of Gaza’s housing stock has been damaged or destroyed since the war began.

International Reaction and Diplomatic Pressure

The latest escalation has drawn concern from international mediators. The White House urged both sides to exercise restraint, with National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien saying the U.S. remained “deeply committed” to preserving the ceasefire. Egypt and Qatar, which played key roles in brokering the truce, have also stepped up diplomatic efforts to prevent a collapse.

European leaders expressed alarm at the renewed violence. French President Emmanuel Macron called the strikes “a dangerous provocation” and urged Israel to reopen aid corridors. German Chancellor Annalena Baerbock said the ceasefire must be preserved “at all costs,” warning that renewed conflict would have “catastrophic consequences for civilians.”

Israel, however, defended its actions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military would “continue to act decisively against any threat,” insisting that Hamas bore full responsibility for the breakdown. “Israel will not tolerate attacks on its soldiers,” he said in a televised address.

For Palestinians, the international appeals offer little comfort. “We hear words, but we need action,” said Huda al‑Masri, a teacher in Gaza City. “The ceasefire is supposed to protect us, but we are still dying; from bombs, from hunger, from buildings falling on our heads.”

Conclusion: A Ceasefire in Peril

As of October 26, 2025, the ceasefire in Gaza stands at a precarious crossroads. Israeli strikes have reignited fears of a return to full‑scale war, while the daily reality for civilians is shaped not only by violence but also by the silent menace of collapsing buildings. The combination of renewed hostilities and structural devastation underscores the fragility of life in Gaza, where even moments of relative calm are overshadowed by danger.

Whether the truce can survive will depend on the willingness of both sides to exercise restraint and the ability of international mediators to enforce accountability. For now, Gazans continue to navigate a landscape of rubble and uncertainty, caught between the threat of new airstrikes and the ever‑present risk that the walls around them may give way.

Reporting by Nick Ravenshade. Original reporting and analysis NENC Media Group.
Source: Al Jazeera live updates, Oct. 26, 2025.