The Gaza Strip faced another round of Israeli military bombardment on Friday, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, as per Palestinian health officials. Reports from residents indicated ongoing Israeli shelling and gunfire in the northern region despite Israel’s commitment to a ceasefire mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump. The Israeli military has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the situation.
In addition to the recent casualties, a Palestinian passed away from injuries sustained in previous Israeli attacks, as reported by the Palestinian WAFA news agency. The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., has faced challenges due to unresolved issues such as Hamas disarmament and the timetable for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, leading to sporadic outbreaks of violence since its implementation three weeks ago.
Following the death of an Israeli soldier, Israel launched retaliatory strikes between Tuesday and Wednesday, resulting in the reported deaths of 104 individuals according to Gaza health authorities. The Red Cross delivered 30 Palestinian bodies to Gaza’s Health Ministry, including two hostages’ remains surrendered by Hamas. Under the ceasefire terms, Hamas released living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while Israel agreed to cease hostilities, withdraw troops, and provide increased aid.
Hamas committed to transferring all deceased hostages’ remains in exchange for Palestinian militants killed during the conflict. Despite the release of 17 bodies, Hamas is still working on locating the remaining hostages’ remains, a process Israel has criticized as delaying the truce. The prolonged conflict in Gaza has claimed the lives of over 68,000 Palestinians, leaving the enclave devastated. The war was initiated by Israel in response to a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October 2023, resulting in casualties and the return of hostages to Gaza.