Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, led to the deaths of five individuals and injuries to 18 others, as confirmed by local health authorities on Thursday. Medics reported that one strike on a residence in Bani Suhaila resulted in the deaths of three people, including a baby girl, and the injury of 15 others. Another strike in Abassan claimed the life of a man and wounded three more. While Israel’s military acknowledged the airstrikes, it stated that it was unaware of any casualties. Both Hamas and Israel accused each other of violating the ongoing fragile truce.
Subsequently, a fifth Palestinian was reported killed by Israeli gunfire in Abassan, according to Nasser Hospital officials. Gaza’s Health Ministry revealed that within the past day, at least 32 individuals, including 12 children and eight women, lost their lives, marking the highest death toll since October 29. Israel had initiated the strikes in response to an attack on its troops by members of a Palestinian militant group.
Hamas condemned the airstrikes as a dangerous escalation and called on Arab mediators, Turkey, and the United States, who facilitated the ceasefire, to intervene. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem accused Israel of altering demarcations that delineate areas still under Israeli control, breaching agreed-upon maps and maintaining control over more than 50% of the enclave’s territories.
Residents observed changes in the markings in the Shejaia suburb, with yellow barricades indicating Israeli-controlled areas being shifted westward. The Israeli army was reportedly expanding its controlled zones, including in the Al-Sha’af area east of Gaza City. Despite these developments, there was no immediate comment from Israeli authorities on the altered markings.
In Gaza City’s Zeitoun suburb, where 10 people perished in a building previously housing displaced families, Palestinians scavenged through the debris while rescue workers searched for additional victims. Expressing skepticism about the ceasefire, a resident named Akram Iswair highlighted the ongoing missile strikes targeting vulnerable citizens. The ceasefire, implemented on October 10 amid the two-year conflict, has enabled some normalcy to return to Gaza, with a reduction in violence and improved aid access.
However, concerns persist as Hamas seeks to regain influence, fears of territorial partition grow, and living conditions deteriorate. Palestinian health authorities reported 312 deaths due to Israeli strikes since the ceasefire, while Israel confirmed the loss of three soldiers and ongoing targeting of fighters. The conflict originated from a Hamas-led attack in 2023, which led to retaliatory Israeli actions resulting in significant Palestinian casualties.
Under the ceasefire terms, Hamas released living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Additionally, Hamas agreed to transfer deceased hostages’ remains in return for Palestinian militants’ bodies. While progress has been made in repatriating remains, both sides continue to navigate the complexities of the truce agreement.
Separately, a Human Rights Watch report accused Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the forced displacement of thousands from West Bank refugee camps. The report highlighted the expulsion of residents from Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams camps during “Operation Iron Wall,” urging international action to address these violations and prevent further abuses. Israeli military justified the demolitions as necessary to prevent militant exploitation of civilian infrastructure, without specifying when displaced individuals could return.