Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that four individuals were killed by Israeli forces on Monday in Gaza City. The Israeli army stated that their actions were aimed at militants who allegedly crossed the designated ceasefire line.
The fatalities occurred in two separate incidents during the morning hours when the victims were reportedly returning to check on their homes in the Al-Shaaf area, located east of the Al-Tuffah neighborhood. Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for the rescue service operating under Hamas authority, confirmed that the victims were struck by Israeli gunfire during their return.
In response, the Israeli military clarified that the fire was directed at militants who advanced beyond what is referred to as the “Yellow Line,” a boundary established under the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, which outlines areas from which Israeli forces have withdrawn and are supposed to remain stationed.
This incident is part of a broader pattern since a fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States began on October 10. Reports indicate that a total of 80 people have been killed in various incidents during this period, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
On the previous day, the Israeli military conducted strikes on numerous Hamas positions throughout Gaza, following the deaths of two Israeli soldiers in combat. Israel accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire, prompting these retaliatory strikes.
Hamas officials, however, refuted claims of any aggressive actions, suggesting that Israel was fabricating reasons to resume military actions against them.
In parallel with the ongoing conflict, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been returning to northern Gaza since the onset of the ceasefire. Many are finding their homes reduced to rubble, highlighting the extensive destruction caused by the months of conflict preceding the temporary truce.
