Israeli aircraft and tanks conducted airstrikes and shelling in eastern Gaza on the previous day, as reported by Palestinian witnesses. This action followed Israel’s statement reaffirming its commitment to a US-backed ceasefire, despite launching more intense attacks in the region. Witnesses observed Israeli planes executing 10 airstrikes in areas east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, while tanks targeted locations east of Gaza City in the north. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or fatalities.
The Israeli military stated that it conducted precise strikes on terrorist infrastructure in the areas that still remain under Israeli occupation, citing a threat to their troops. These strikes represent a recent challenge to the delicate ceasefire established on October 10 between Israel and Hamas. As part of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas released all remaining hostages in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and wartime detainees. In return, Israel withdrew its forces and ceased its offensive actions.
Hamas committed to returning the remains of all 28 deceased hostages. To date, 15 bodies have been delivered, with the group explaining that more time is needed to locate the remaining bodies. The armed wing of Hamas announced its intention to surrender two additional bodies at 4:00 pm local time.
Amidst these developments, a Turkish disaster response team awaits approval from Israel to enter Gaza for search and rescue operations, according to a defense ministry source. Turkey, as a key mediator in the recent Gaza ceasefire, aims to participate in the emerging international peacekeeping mission.
In a separate incident, Israel barred the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from visiting Palestinian prisoners detained under legislation targeting “unlawful combatants,” as confirmed by the country’s defense minister. Furthermore, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun directed the army commander to confront any Israeli trespassing into southern Lebanon, following the killing of an individual in Blida during an overnight incursion by Israeli forces. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attack, denouncing it as a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Repeated violations of Beirut’s airspace by Israeli aircraft have become a frequent occurrence, with such incidents escalating over the past week.