Gaza civil defence confirmed that Israeli shelling on a school-turned-shelter killed five people on Friday. The incident occurred at the Gaza Martyrs School in the Tuffah neighbourhood east of Gaza City.
Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for Gaza civil defence, told AFP that “five martyrs have been recovered as a result of the Israeli shelling of the shelter.” The agency continues rescue operations and is assessing further damage in the area.
The Israeli military said that during operations near the Yellow Line in northern Gaza, “a number of suspicious individuals were identified in command structures west of the Yellow Line.” Israel also stated that its forces have withdrawn to positions east of the Yellow Line in accordance with the US-brokered ceasefire.
“The military regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and operates to mitigate harm to the extent possible,” an Israeli statement added.
The ceasefire, which came into effect in October, remains fragile. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violations, raising concerns among mediators. US special envoy Steve Witkoff met officials from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in Florida to advance negotiations for the second stage of the deal.
Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim emphasized the need for enforcement, stating, “Our people expect these talks to result in an agreement to put an end to ongoing Israeli lawlessness, halt all violations and compel the occupation to abide by the Sharm El-Sheikh agreement.”
The health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza reported that at least 395 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire began on October 10. Israel, on the other hand, has accused Hamas of violating the truce, reporting three soldiers killed in the territory since the agreement’s implementation.
The latest incident highlights ongoing tensions and the challenges facing Gaza civil defence, as the agency works under difficult conditions to protect civilians and respond to casualties.
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