At least 22 Palestinians have been killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes across northern and central Gaza, according to Hamas medical and civil defense officials.
Reports indicate that five sites were targeted, including residential homes. Among the deceased is a senior Hamas commander, per local sources.
The Israeli military responded, asserting that the bombings were retaliation for an incident earlier on Saturday, in which they claimed an 'armed terrorist' fired at soldiers after crossing the designated 'yellow line' into areas under full Israeli control. Hamas, however, has denied these accusations.
Both parties have made claims against each other for breaching the ceasefire agreement that was reached six weeks ago.
Since the ceasefire took effect, the Gaza health ministry reports that over 310 Palestinians have died in Israeli strikes.
The civil defense reported that the strikes on Saturday targeted regions including Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza. Witnesses noted significant damage, with a fire ignited in a vehicle due to an Israeli strike at the Abbas junction in Gaza City.
In addition, three individuals were killed near a mosque in Deir al-Balah. Other strikes led to casualties in two homes in Nuseirat, including three at the Abu Amouneh family residence, and seven more at the house of the Abu Shawish family.
Israeli officials later asserted that the attacks were necessary, and condemned Hamas for violating the ceasefire, urging mediators to ensure Hamas adheres to its commitments.
In response, Hamas claimed the strikes and Israel's expanded military presence in the east amounts to a significant breach of the ceasefire agreement, calling for urgent intervention from mediators and the United States.
This escalation follows an offensive launched by Israel in October 2023, after a Hamas-led attack resulting in numerous casualties and widespread hostilities.
