At least 30 civilians have been killed in Gaza following Israeli airstrikes, even after Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire, citing a Palestinian health official. Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital, said more than 40 people remain trapped under the debris in northern Gaza’s Al-Sabra neighbourhood, where six people were confirmed dead.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) defended the strikes, stating they targeted a “Hamas terrorist cell” that was “operating in close proximity to IDF troops” and posed an “immediate threat.” The statement emphasized that the operation was carried out in self-defence to neutralize militants endangering Israeli forces in the area.
The escalation comes shortly after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the two-year-long war in Gaza. Under the deal, Hamas is to release 20 Israeli hostages alive within 72 hours, while Israel will free Palestinian prisoners held in its jails.
