Gaza city: Israeli forces have reportedly opened fire on Palestinians in the northern Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. The incident occurred as tensions continue to simmer in the region following a recent ceasefire agreement.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the Israeli military released a statement indicating that several "suspects" were seen crossing the "yellow line," which demarcates Israeli-controlled areas under the ceasefire agreement. The suspects were reportedly approaching Israeli troops, which the military described as "a violation of the agreement." The military stated that attempts were made to deter the individuals, but when they did not comply and continued their approach, the troops opened fire.
Gaza's health authorities confirmed that at least six Palestinians were killed in two separate incidents. Five of the deceased were reportedly in Gaza City's Shuja'iyya neighborhood, where eyewitnesses and residents claimed the group had been inspecting their homes post-ceasefire when an Israeli drone fired a missile.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem condemned the killings, labeling them "a violation of the ceasefire agreement." He urged "the various parties to monitor the occupation's behavior and not allow it to evade its commitments before the mediators regarding ending the war."
The ceasefire, which was implemented on Friday, came after intense negotiations in Egypt. The agreement includes a prisoner exchange and arrangements to reopen border crossings to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza. Under the terms, the Israeli army agreed to halt fighting and partially withdraw from Gaza, while Hamas committed to releasing all remaining detainees in exchange for Israel freeing over 2,000 Palestinian detainees.
Meanwhile, Gaza Civil Defense reports that over 250 bodies have been recovered since the ceasefire, with some found on the streets. The defense teams have encountered severe challenges accessing many areas due to "a significant shortage" of heavy equipment. An estimated 10,000 people are believed to remain trapped beneath the debris from over two years of intense Israeli bombardment.
According to Civil Defense, remnants of war and unexploded ordnance continue to pose a threat to civilians across the enclave. Israel's prolonged military actions in Gaza have led to famine and devastation, with at least 67,869 people killed by Israeli fire, as reported by Gaza health authorities.