Gaza’s civil defense agency has reported that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of a minimum of 12 individuals since yesterday morning. Meanwhile, a military representative has stated that these attacks were conducted in retaliation for alleged violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Despite the implementation of a truce brokered by the United States that entered a new phase last month, ongoing violence persists in the Palestinian region. Accusations of breaching the agreement have been exchanged between Israel and Hamas.
The civil defense agency, functioning as a rescue unit under the authority of Hamas, disclosed that one strike struck a tent housing displaced persons in the northern region of Gaza, while another targeted a location in the southern area.
According to the agency, five individuals lost their lives and several others sustained injuries as a result of an Israeli airstrike hitting a tent sheltering displaced persons in Jabalia in the north. Additionally, five more individuals were killed and multiple others injured in a separate strike during the early hours in the southern city of Khan Yunis. The agency further reported one casualty due to Israeli shelling in Gaza City.
At least seven bodies have been received by the Al-Shifa and Nasser hospitals, confirming the casualties.
An official from the military mentioned that the Israeli forces conducted strikes in response to Hamas’ breach of the ceasefire agreement. The official detailed, “The violation involved the identification of several armed militants who sought shelter under debris east of the yellow line, near IDF troops, potentially emerging from underground structures in the vicinity.”
He added, “Trespassing the yellow line near IDF forces while being armed is a clear violation of the ceasefire and showcases Hamas’ systematic disregard for the agreement with the intention to harm troops.”
Following the ceasefire terms that came into effect on October 10, Israeli troops withdrew to positions beyond a designated “Yellow Line,” although they still maintain control over more than half of the territory.
The health ministry in Gaza has reported a total of at least 601 fatalities since the commencement of the truce.