Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defense has reported that eleven people, all members of the same family, were killed when their bus was struck by an Israeli tank shell in northern Gaza. The family was reportedly attempting to return to their home to assess its condition when the devastating incident occurred in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City on Friday night. This marks the most severe single loss of life involving Israeli forces in Gaza since the eight-day ceasefire commenced.
According to the Israeli military, soldiers opened fire on a “suspicious vehicle” that had allegedly crossed the designated ‘yellow line,’ which delineates the area still under Israeli occupation in Gaza. Civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal stated that the victims belonged to the Abu Shaaban family and were killed while trying to check on their home.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that troops fired upon a vehicle that was perceived as an imminent threat due to its approach towards their position. The IDF maintained that their actions were in accordance with established protocols. Hamas, however, condemned the incident, asserting that the family was targeted unjustifiably. The IDF has previously cautioned Palestinians against entering zones still under their control, but the exact location of the ‘yellow line’ is not physically marked, leading to potential confusion and risk, especially with limited internet access for residents.
In separate developments related to the ceasefire agreement, the Palestinian embassy in Cairo announced that the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza will reopen for Palestinian residents in Egypt to return to Gaza. Additionally, Hamas returned the body of Israeli hostage Eliyahu Margalit to the Red Cross, which subsequently transferred it to Israel. Mr. Margalit is the tenth deceased hostage whose remains have been returned from Gaza, with 18 others awaiting repatriation. Israel also returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza via the Red Cross, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions and the complex challenges in adhering to the ceasefire, with both sides presenting differing perspectives on accountability and the execution of the agreement. The ongoing conflict and its devastating impact on civilians remain a critical concern.