DaysofPal- Israeli forces killed at least seven Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, in an apparent breach of the ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier. Local health authorities reported that six were killed in Gaza City and one in Khan Younis.
In Gaza City’s eastern Shujaiya neighborhood, the Palestinian Civil Defence said that five people inspecting their damaged homes were hit by an aerial attack and killed. Separately, a drone strike in Al-Fukhari, east of Khan Younis, claimed another life.
The ceasefire, which took effect Friday, explicitly states that “all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment and targeting operations, will be suspended.” These recent attacks clearly violate that suspension.
The Israeli military confirmed its involvement in the Shujaiya strike, claiming it was targeting individuals who crossed designated deployment lines after warning shots were fired. The military offered no comment regarding the drone attack in Khan Younis.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem condemned the killings, calling them a breach of the ceasefire. “The Israeli army’s killing of several Gaza residents this morning through shelling and gunfire is a clear violation,” Qassem said. He urged international actors to hold Israel accountable and to ensure it keeps its promises to mediators on ending hostilities.
Dispute Over Return of Deceased Bodies
Israeli officials expressed frustration that Hamas handed over only four bodies of deceased captives on Monday, deeming this number insufficient compared to earlier agreements. Defence Minister Israel Katz called the move “a failure to meet commitments” and warned that further delay would constitute a “gross violation of the agreement” with corresponding consequences.
These returns are part of a broader deal brokered in Egypt last week, intended to end the war in Gaza, ease Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid, and facilitate an Israeli withdrawal from urban areas of the enclave.
So far, Hamas has handed over four bodies, and search efforts continue for the remains of 24 other Israelis. All living captives have been released in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees.
Under the truce terms, Hamas must release the remains of deceased hostages in its possession—or held by other Palestinian factions—within 72 hours of the ceasefire taking effect, or as soon as they can be located. An international committee is assisting in the search. Israel, in exchange, is expected to release the bodies of dozens of Palestinian dead.
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