Israeli Attacks Continue in Gaza, Violating Ceasefire Agreement
Despite the US-brokered ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces have continued their attacks on various areas of the Gaza Strip, leading to the death of at least five Palestinians, according to multiple sources. This marks a significant violation of the ceasefire deal and has sparked fear among the residents of Gaza who struggle to rebuild their lives amidst the ongoing violence.
Background
The ceasefire, negotiated by the US and announced by Israel earlier this week, aimed to bring an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, local media sources like Al Jazeera English, Middle East Eye, and Al-Quds News report continuous attacks across the Gaza Strip, including artillery shelling, gunfire, and bombardment.
Key Developments
Israeli forces have struck several areas in the enclave, including the cities of Khan Younis and Gaza City. The Shujayea and Tuffah neighbourhoods in eastern Gaza City have been bombed, with one Palestinian reported killed and his brother wounded in Shujayea. A second Palestinian was killed on Jalaa Street in Gaza City. Another succumbed to wounds sustained in an earlier strike on a displaced family tent in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis.
CBC News and The Times of Israel report that the Israeli military carried out attacks for a fourth day, killing three Palestinians. However, Al Jazeera English reports that Israeli strikes have killed over 100 people this week following the killing of an Israeli soldier.
International Reaction
Iran has strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli attacks. The Israeli regime’s unrelenting airstrikes on various areas in the south, center, and north of the Gaza Strip have been categorically condemned,
said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei.
The US Vice President JD Vance, however, maintains that the ceasefire is holding, despite the reported Israeli strikes. The ceasefire is holding. That doesn't mean that there aren't going to be little skirmishes here and there,
Vance told reporters.
Current Status
The attacks have sparked fear among residents of Gaza, who are increasingly uncertain of their safety. The Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza has received the bodies of 30 Palestinians handed over by Israel, underscoring the heavy toll of the conflict.
According to the Japan Times, there are potentially as many as 10,000 Palestinians unaccounted for and presumed dead, further highlighting the grim situation on the ground. As the violence continues, the residents of Gaza face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives amidst the fear of more attacks, despite the ceasefire agreement.
While some sources suggest Washington has blocked Israel from launching new attacks, others report continued strikes, indicating the volatile and uncertain nature of the situation. Amidst these contrasting narratives, one thing remains clear: the residents of Gaza are caught in the crossfire, living in fear and uncertainty.