Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals, according to officials from the region. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) initiated these strikes in response to what they described as a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement by Hamas, specifically noting incidents in the Beit Hanoun area.
An IDF spokesperson stated, “In recent hours, the IDF has begun striking in response to Hamas’s blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement yesterday.” The official highlighted that “terrorists emerged from a tunnel east of the yellow line,” referring to a designated boundary under the ceasefire terms. The spokesperson labeled Sunday’s attacks as “precise” and compliant with international law.
The IDF claims that Hamas has committed multiple violations since the ceasefire was established in October, including deploying forces east of the agreed-upon “Yellow Line.” The official emphasized that “crossing the yellow line in the vicinity of IDF troops, while armed, is an explicit ceasefire violation.” This assertion underscores ongoing tensions, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of breaching the ceasefire.
Military Actions in Northern Gaza
On Saturday, the IDF reported identifying armed Hamas militants near their personnel in northern Gaza. The military has been actively targeting underground tunnels used by militants, stating that they observed gunmen emerging from a tunnel and entering the rubble of a nearby building. In response, Israeli air force aircraft struck the building, reportedly eliminating two gunmen, with the likelihood of additional casualties among militants.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant loss of life. The Gaza health ministry reported that at least 600 Palestinians have died due to Israeli military actions since the ceasefire began. In contrast, the IDF noted that four of its soldiers have been killed by militants during this same period.
The volatility of the situation highlights the fragility of the ceasefire, which is a key component of a broader peace plan proposed by former US President Donald Trump. As the situation develops, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, making a resolution appear increasingly complex.
