Israel Airstrikes Kill 30 in Gaza as Ceasefire Comes Under Strain

Rising tensions between Israel and Gaza put peace efforts at risk after strikes claim lives, including women and children

New Delhi: On January 31, 2026, Israeli airstrikes throughout the region of Gaza killed at least 30 Palestinians, including women and children. The attacks became one of the deadliest incidents since a US-brokered ceasefire came into effect on October 10, 2025.

The strikes happened at a sensitive moment. Authorities were preparing to partially reopen the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt within days. The reopening was expected to allow humanitarian aid, medical evacuations and limited civilian movement.

Israeli officials said they carried out the strikes in response to what they described as ceasefire violations by Hamas. Palestinian authorities rejected that claim and accused Israel of breaching the truce and targeting civilian areas.

Police Station Hit

One of the deadliest strikes targeted a police station in the Sheikh Radwan area of Gaza City. Hospital officials said at least 14 people died in that attack. The dead included police officers, detainees and civilians who were present at the site.

Medical workers reported heavy damage in the area and said rescue teams worked through debris to recover bodies.

Home Strike

Another airstrike struck an apartment building in Gaza City. Shifa Hospital officials confirmed that three children, their aunt and their grandmother were killed in that strike.

Doctors said many of the injured arrived in critical condition. Some later died from their wounds. Families lost multiple members in the attack, adding to the deep trauma already felt across the territory.

Tent Camp Attack

In southern Gaza near Khan Younis, an airstrike hit a tent camp sheltering displaced families. The strike set tents on fire and killed seven members of the same extended family. The dead included a father, his three children and three grandchildren.

Thousands of displaced people continue to live in tents because homes across Gaza have been destroyed during more than two years of fighting.

More Casualties

Strikes were also reported in the Jabaliya refugee camp and other neighborhoods. Gaza’s Health Ministry said the total death toll for the day reached about 30 people.

Hospitals including Shifa Hospital in Gaza City and Nasser Hospital in the south said they struggled to handle the number of casualties. Medical staff described chaotic scenes as ambulances brought in the wounded.

Civilian Deaths

A large number of those killed were women and children. Gaza’s Health Ministry confirmed that many victims were civilians. The dense population of Gaza makes it extremely difficult to avoid civilian harm when fighting erupts.

International humanitarian groups have repeatedly warned that non-combatants remain highly vulnerable in the conflict.

Ceasefire Tensions

The October 2025 ceasefire aimed to stop more than two years of intense fighting. The United States helped broker the agreement. The truce was meant to reduce violence, allow more aid into Gaza, support prisoner exchanges and create space for longer-term negotiations.

However, both sides have accused each other of breaking the ceasefire.

Israeli officials said militants violated the truce by firing at Israeli forces and attempting to move fighters and weapons. Reports said Israeli forces responded after militants allegedly emerged from a tunnel in Rafah.

Hamas and Palestinian officials accused Israel of carrying out frequent strikes and military actions that they say go beyond defensive responses and violate the agreement.

These repeated accusations have weakened trust and kept tensions high.

Rafah Crossing Plan

The violence came just as authorities prepared to partially reopen the Rafah crossing with Egypt. Rafah is Gaza’s main gateway for humanitarian supplies and medical evacuations.

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The crossing has remained mostly closed for months because of security concerns. Its reopening was expected to ease shortages of food, medicine and fuel.

Aid agencies have warned that conditions in Gaza remain severe. Many families still live in damaged buildings or temporary shelters. The latest escalation could delay or complicate relief efforts.

Conflict Toll

The broader conflict began after Hamas launched attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel then started a large-scale military campaign in Gaza.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 500 Palestinians have died from Israeli fire since the October 2025 ceasefire began. Over the course of the wider war, tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed, including many women and children.

The United Nations and humanitarian agencies have often cited the Health Ministry’s figures, though Israel has disputed some aspects of the data in the past.

Global Reaction

The world community expressed worry over the most recent strikes. Both sides were advised to exercise moderation and avoid further escalation by Western nations participating in ceasefire negotiations.

Human rights organisations emphasised the necessity of protecting civilians under international humanitarian law and demanded investigations into civilian killings.

Middle Eastern leaders also voiced concern and cautioned that ongoing violence could undermine diplomatic efforts.

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Uncertain Prospects

The January 31 airstrikes have raised concerns that the fragile truce may collapse if violations persist. Although diplomatic talks continue and promises to reopen Rafah provide some hope, recurrent outbreaks of violence demonstrate how unstable the situation remains.

As families mourn those who died and hospitals treat the injured, the ceasefire is under significant threat. Without increased commitment and enforcement from all parties, the path to long-term peace remains doubtful.