Israel has stepped up air strikes in southern and central Gaza, hitting areas beyond the yellow line in violation of the ceasefire, including the Bureij camp and eastern Khan Younis. At the same time, Israeli forces carried out raids across the occupied West Bank, where more than 20 people in Tubas were reportedly assaulted and required medical care, adding to rising tension across the region.
Ceasefire Strained as Strikes Cross Yellow Line
The ceasefire deal aims to slow down the violence and create space for humanitarian aid and prisoner exchanges. However, repeated attacks beyond the yellow line now put the entire arrangement under pressure. Each new strike adds to the challenges families already face as they struggle with shortages of food, medicine, water and shelter.
Gaza’s civil defence teams say the continued attacks show a clear pattern of violations. The yellow line serves as a boundary meant to reduce clashes, but air strikes crossing it have raised serious concerns among people who believed the area would be safer.
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Ground raids in the West Bank continue almost daily, and the latest operations resulted in more arrests and increased tensions far from Gaza’s front lines. People in these areas say the growing number of confrontations makes them feel unsafe and uncertain.
Another major issue affecting the ceasefire involves dozens of fighters trapped inside tunnels on the Israeli-controlled side of the yellow line in southern Gaza. Israel says it killed several of them in the past week, while armed groups say the fighters remain stuck and unable to move. This disagreement has quickly become one of the biggest problems negotiators face as they try to keep the ceasefire alive.
Prisoner Transfers Continue Amid Mounting Pressure
Even as the violence escalates, one part of the ceasefire agreement — the exchange of captives and prisoners — is still moving forward.
On Wednesday, Israel transferred the bodies of 15 Palestinian prisoners back to Gaza authorities. A day earlier, armed groups handed over the body of an Israeli captive. They say they have now returned all living captives and most of the remains required under the deal.
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The groups involved say they remain committed to completing the prisoner exchange, even though the situation around them is becoming more difficult. They argue that progress in this part of the agreement should not be blocked by disputes over the yellow line or newly launched attacks.
However, the fighters trapped in tunnels near the yellow line remain a major concern. Armed groups have called on mediators to pressure Israel to allow safe passage for these individuals. They say that targeting fighters stuck in confined spaces breaks the terms of the truce.
Negotiators are now struggling to keep the process stable, as every new strike or raid increases the risk of the ceasefire collapsing.
Talks on Phase Two Face Obstacles Linked to Yellow Line Violations
Discussions on the second phase of the ceasefire plan have already started. This phase would involve deploying an international stabilisation force to help manage security inside Gaza. It also includes creating a temporary international administration to oversee daily governance and begin rebuilding the region.
Talks were held in Cairo this week with mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey. But almost every part of the plan faces major questions — especially Israel’s commitment to following through on future steps, considering the ongoing strikes beyond the yellow line.
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Experts warn that without clear respect for the yellow line, the ceasefire could face even more strain. Many people in Gaza have lost homes, access to basic supplies and loved ones. Each new violation makes life harder and recovery even more distant.
With air strikes crossing the yellow line and ground raids expanding, the fragile ceasefire is facing some of its toughest challenges yet. The situation remains tense, and every new development adds pressure to an already delicate balance.