Gaza's Hamas-run civil defence has reported the death of eleven people, all from the same family, after an Israeli tank shell hit their bus while they were traveling in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City on Friday night. The victims were attempting to check on their home.
This incident is now the most lethal involving the Israeli military in Gaza since the ceasefire commenced eight days ago.
The Israeli military explained that their forces had opened fire at a 'suspicious vehicle' crossing a demarcated area indicated as still under occupation by Israeli forces. According to the military, the vehicle’s approach was perceived to pose a threat.
Hamas condemned the attack, asserting that the family had been unjustly targeted, including women and children among the dead.
As the Israeli Defence Forces continue operations across much of the Gaza Strip, the loss of civilian life raises concerns about the ongoing safety of local residents. Many Palestinians lack access to reliable information about the positions of Israeli troops, complicating their attempts to navigate the conflict zones safely.
In the broader context, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz suggested that the army will implement visible markers to better indicate the dangerous areas along the occupied borders.
The situation remains precarious as reports of stringent military operations persist, amidst negotiations surrounding a recently brokered ceasefire deal.