Gaza's media office has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire with Hamas 47 times since the truce began in early October, resulting in 38 Palestinian deaths and 143 injuries. The violations include direct gunfire, shelling, and arrests, reflecting what the office calls a continued policy of aggression despite the declared end of the war.
Authorities in Gaza have called on the United Nations and guarantor parties to intervene urgently to protect unarmed civilians. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Rafah crossing, a key aid entry point, will remain closed until Hamas returns the bodies of all deceased hostages still held in Gaza.
The deadliest single violation occurred on Friday when Israeli forces killed 11 members of a Palestinian family in Gaza City. The family's bus was attacked after crossing the so-called 'yellow line' demarcating Israeli army control, according to Gaza's civil defence agency. The victims included seven children and three women.
The Israel Defense Forces said troops fired warning shots at a suspicious vehicle approaching them, then opened fire when it continued, posing an imminent threat. Israel and Hamas continue to trade blame over breaches, with Hamas accused of failing to return all deceased hostages' remains.
Turkey has deployed disaster relief specialists to help search for bodies under rubble. Gaza's civil defence estimates 10,000 bodies remain trapped under debris. Aid remains critically scarce, with Israel delaying food convoys into the territory.
