Ceasefire Agreement Collapses as Gaza Conflict Reignites
Late on Tuesday, the Middle East was once again plunged into turmoil. Israeli jets launched intensive airstrikes across multiple areas in Gaza, resulting in at least 26 deaths and dozens of injuries. The Gaza Health Department confirmed that multiple locations, including the Bureij refugee camp, Sabra neighborhood, and Khan Yunis, were bombed, leaving homes and vehicles completely destroyed.
This assault occurred just two weeks after a fragile ceasefire agreement was signed, indicating that the temporary peace framework brokered by the U.S. is rapidly disintegrating. Israel claimed that the airstrikes were in response to Hamas "again violating the ceasefire," while Hamas accused Israel of "creating excuses" and "intentionally disrupting the agreement."
Analysts point out that this cycle of mutual accusations has brought the Middle East back to a high-risk state. If conflicts continue, it could trigger regional military chain reactions and even threaten the stability of surrounding areas like Iran, Lebanon, and Syria.
U.S. Mediation Faces Test as Trump’s Diplomatic Achievements at Risk
The ceasefire agreement was reached under the direct intervention of U.S. President Trump and is regarded as one of the most significant diplomatic breakthroughs of his second term. The agreement included terms such as Hamas releasing all surviving hostages, Israel withdrawing troops and halting attacks, and exchanging prisoners between the two sides. However, within weeks, mutual trust has completely fallen apart.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly accused Hamas on Tuesday of "delivering wrong bodies," which he stated was a "serious violation of the ceasefire agreement." Hamas responded by claiming that the Israeli side’s actions were intended to "mask ongoing military actions" and announced a delay in further hostage body transfers.
While U.S. Vice President Vance recently assured during his visit to Israel that the "ceasefire is generally stable," the latest developments have evidently shattered this judgment. The White House spokesperson refused to disclose whether the U.S. was notified of the airstrikes before they were carried out. The U.S. State Department urged both sides to "exercise restraint" but did not propose a new mediation plan.
Hamas Denies Attacks as Gaza Situation Deteriorates Again
Hamas denied launching an attack in the Rafah area and emphasized its continued adherence to the ceasefire terms. However, the Israeli military later released a statement claiming that the airstrike targeted "Islamic Jihad senior commanders" to prevent "imminent attack threats." The organization has close ties with Iran, raising concerns that the conflict could ignite a larger proxy war.
The airstrikes not only destroyed multiple buildings in Gaza City but also affected areas near Haifa Hospital. As one of the few major medical facilities still in operation locally, the attacks damaged some of its facilities and drew strong international condemnation. United Nations Secretary-General Guterres urged both sides to cease fire immediately, stating that "the cycle of violence only makes civilians the biggest victims."
Meanwhile, Egyptian rescue forces have arrived in Gaza to assist in searching for hostage bodies, with some operation zones revealing traces of underground tunnels. Witnesses reported that the excavation depth exceeded 12 meters, with Hamas militants on site guarding the area, indicating that the conflict remains unresolved.
Oil Markets Tighten Again as "Powder Keg Premium" Returns
The escalation of geopolitical conflicts has immediately impacted the energy markets. International oil futures slightly increased on Tuesday, with Brent crude trading back above the $65 per barrel mark. Analysts indicate that although the market had previously factored in some Middle East risks, the ceasefire breakdown is a "negative marginal event" that will force investors to reassess the outlook for oil supply.
If the conflict affects Iran, a core oil-producing country of OPEC, or leads to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the global energy market could face significant upheaval.
Analysts from the energy consulting firm Rystad Energy stated: "The market has begun repricing Middle East risk. Even if short-term supply is unaffected, geopolitical premiums will become key support factors for oil prices."
Political Maneuvering and Market Risks Parallel
The rekindling of conflict in the Middle East has sharply increased diplomatic pressure on the Trump administration and thrown the energy market into a new cycle of uncertainty. Analysts suggest that if the U.S. fails to quickly restart negotiations, oil prices may continue to fluctuate at high levels supported by geopolitical premiums.
Diplomatic observers note that the continuation of the ceasefire agreement largely depends on political maneuvering rather than military restraint. As Israel amasses troops along the Gaza border and Hamas vows revenge, the prospects for Middle East peace have once again been overshadowed.
As the "powder keg" reignites, global markets are closely monitoring the unfolding situation — any further outbreak could become the final straw that breaks the fragile balance.
