Israeli forces reportedly killed six Palestinians in separate incidents in Gaza on Tuesday, despite a recent ceasefire agreement. The Gaza civil defence agency confirmed the deaths, stating that Israeli troops opened fire on individuals in the Shuja’iyyah neighbourhood, east of Gaza City. This area was under scrutiny as residents inspected their homes following the ceasefire.
The Israeli military defended its actions, claiming that its soldiers fired after several Palestinians approached the "yellow line," which marks the boundary from which Israeli forces had withdrawn under a peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. This incident occurred just days after a fragile ceasefire took effect, allowing for a hostage and prisoner exchange.
In a broader context, the ceasefire has been threatened by ongoing violence. Reports indicate that Hamas has been cracking down on rival groups in Gaza, resulting in at least 33 deaths as it seeks to reassert control. The group has begun to restore its presence on the streets cautiously, aware of the potential for the truce to collapse.
The recent violence has raised concerns about the stability of the ceasefire, which was intended to end a conflict that has claimed nearly 68,000 Palestinian lives and about 2,000 Israeli lives, creating a severe humanitarian crisis in the region. The situation remains tense as international observers call for accountability and justice for the ongoing violence against Palestinians.
Additionally, as part of the ceasefire agreement, the bodies of 45 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons were handed over to the Red Cross for examination. This follows the release of over 1,900 Palestinian captives on Monday, although more than 10,000 Palestinians, including 360 children, remain imprisoned in Israel.