Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill Nine, Including Journalists, Amid Fragile Truce
Gaza City – Nine people, including journalists and aid workers, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Saturday, Gaza’s civil defence agency reported. The attacks, among the deadliest since the ceasefire began on January 19, have raised concerns about the stability of the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas.
- Airstrike Casualties: Gaza civil defence spokesman Mahmoud Bassal confirmed that nine bodies were transported to the hospital, including several journalists and workers from the Al-Khair Charitable Organisation.
- Attack Details: The strikes reportedly targeted a vehicle in Beit Lahia with a drone, followed by artillery shelling in the same area.
- Health Ministry Statement: Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported that the casualties were taken to the Indonesian Hospital, with some critically injured.
Responses and Accusations:
- Hamas Reaction: Hamas condemned the strikes as a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire agreement, accusing Israel of trying to derail ongoing truce negotiations.
- Israeli Military Justification: The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the strike targeted two militants operating a drone that posed a threat to Israeli troops. A subsequent strike hit individuals who attempted to recover the drone operating equipment.
- Hamas Allegations: Hamas called the attack “a dangerous escalation” and accused Israel of obstructing ceasefire negotiations and a potential prisoner swap deal.
Ongoing Ceasefire Talks:
- Truce Negotiations: A senior Hamas official confirmed that fresh negotiations were taking place in Doha, with Israeli representatives also involved.
- Prisoner Exchange Status: During the truce’s initial six-week phase, 33 hostages, including eight deceased, were exchanged for approximately 1,800 Palestinian detainees.
- Hamas Proposal: Hamas stated on Saturday that Israel must decide on their offer to release an Israeli-American hostage and return the bodies of four others as part of the ongoing truce discussions.
The latest Israeli strikes threaten to undermine ceasefire efforts, with both sides blaming each other for escalating tensions. As negotiations continue, the future of the ceasefire remains uncertain, with the possibility of renewed hostilities looming over the region.
