Israel’s military campaign intensified on Saturday as new attacks were launched on Gaza and southern Lebanon, raising serious concerns over continued violations of the ceasefire agreement. The latest strikes killed at least 21 Palestinians in central Gaza and one person in Lebanon, despite Palestinian resistance factions insisting they are still fully adhering to the truce.
Deadly Strikes in Gaza
Health officials in Gaza confirmed that 21 people were killed and several more injured after a series of Israeli airstrikes hit multiple locations in the central region of the territory.
The first strike targeted a vehicle in the densely populated Rimal area, igniting it on impact. Witnesses reported that it was unclear whether all the victims were inside the vehicle or also included pedestrians nearby. Residents rushed to put out the fire and pull victims from the wreckage.
Soon after the Rimal strike, two further air attacks hit homes in Deir Al-Balah and Nuseirat camp, killing at least four people and leaving several wounded.
The Israeli military claimed that a gunman had crossed into Israeli-controlled land using the “humanitarian corridor” designed for aid movement and insisted that its strikes were launched in response. Hamas rejected these accusations as fabrications, calling them an attempt to justify continued attacks despite the truce.
Hamas added that Israel’s “growing violations” put responsibility on the United States and other mediating countries to stop the escalation and ensure that the ceasefire remains in place.
Although the October 10 ceasefire had reduced active combat and allowed displaced Palestinians to return to their damaged homes, violence has continued. Local medical authorities say 316 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the truce began, while Israel reports three military casualties during the same period. Observers fear the strikes may indicate Israel’s intention to regain military dominance in the conflict.
Lebanon Also Targeted
Israel also carried out attacks in southern Lebanon, where one person was killed on Saturday, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The victim was identified as Kamel Reda Qarnabash after the Israeli strike hit a vehicle in Zawtar al-Sharqiyah.
In a separate incident, five people were injured when an Israeli drone dropped a grenade in the town of Shaqra.
While the Israeli military did not comment directly on the fatal strike in Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, it said it had targeted several Hezbollah launch sites identified in the south. Lebanese authorities accused Israel of repeatedly violating the nearly year-old ceasefire agreed with Hezbollah, stating that more than 330 people have been killed and 945 injured in Lebanon since the truce was signed.
The latest attacks follow a deadly strike earlier in the week on the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp, which killed 13 people, including two students from a local school.
Canada and UAE Discuss Peace Efforts
Diplomatic engagements continued as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on November 20. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing a political roadmap for peace in Gaza.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to a long-term solution based on a two-state framework that would grant Palestinians an independent and sovereign nation living alongside Israel. They welcomed the involvement of U.S. President Donald Trump and the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 as essential steps toward implementing a comprehensive peace plan.
