Israeli strike kills three in Gaza as ceasefire violence continues

A strike in the Gaza Strip killed three people overnight, according to the Palestinian civil defence agency, as tensions continue despite an ongoing ceasefire agreement. The incident occurred near the Al-Zaqzouq junction in the Al-Amal neighbourhood, northwest of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

Spokesman Mahmoud Bassal said the victims were killed when Israeli warplanes targeted the area around midnight. Residents and AFP journalists reported Israeli aircraft flying over the region following the strike, adding to fears of renewed escalation.

The developments come even though a ceasefire has been officially in place since October 10. Despite the truce, violence has persisted almost daily, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Hamas has repeatedly alleged that Israeli forces are breaching the agreement, while Israel maintains that it is responding to security threats.

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The war began after the October 7, 2023 cross-border attack by Hamas, which triggered a prolonged military conflict in the region. Since the ceasefire took effect, Gaza’s health authorities say more than 770 Palestinians have been killed. The health ministry, run by Hamas, provides figures considered credible by the United Nations, though independent verification remains difficult due to restricted access.

On the Israeli side, the military reports that five soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the truce began. However, limited media access and ongoing security constraints have made independent reporting of casualties challenging.

Meanwhile, political developments in Europe have also drawn attention. Hungary’s incoming leadership has stated it will enforce International Criminal Court (ICC) warrants, even as debate continues over visits by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an ICC arrest warrant related to alleged war crimes in Gaza.

As ceasefire tensions persist, international observers warn that the fragile truce remains at risk without sustained diplomatic progress.