Israel-Iran Ceasefire Holds as Israeli Forces Conduct Deadly Gaza Raid

The ceasefire between Israel and Iran, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, remains intact, even as Israeli forces intensify military operations in Gaza, resulting in at least 31 Palestinian deaths since midnight.

While hostilities between Tel Aviv and Tehran have paused, the humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to grow. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s ongoing military campaign—initiated months ago—has claimed over 56,000 lives and injured more than 131,000 people. The latest casualties add to what is already one of the deadliest episodes in the enclave’s history.

Meanwhile, the White House has dismissed a classified intelligence report suggesting that recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities fell short of their intended impact. The report claimed the bombings only temporarily disrupted Iran’s nuclear programme, setting it back by a few months rather than disabling it completely. U.S. officials have refuted this, maintaining that the strikes achieved critical strategic objectives.

Both Israel and Iran are publicly claiming success in their short but intense 12-day confrontation. Celebratory gatherings were held across Tehran, with Iranian leaders declaring a symbolic victory over what they describe as Israeli aggression. In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Israel’s performance, calling it a decisive moment that would resonate for “generations to come.”

According to Iranian authorities, at least 610 people, including 13 children, were killed during the Israeli assault, while more than 3,000 others sustained injuries. Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes into Israeli territory reportedly left 28 people dead, as confirmed by Israeli officials.

The wider conflict remains deeply rooted in the fallout from the October 7 attacks, during which 1,139 Israelis were killed and over 200 people abducted, igniting months of violence and military action across the region.

Though the ceasefire has temporarily de-escalated the direct confrontation between Israel and Iran, the situation in Gaza underscores the ongoing volatility and suffering across multiple fronts. International observers continue to call for a comprehensive diplomatic resolution, but with violence persisting in Gaza, peace remains distant.