At least 30 Palestinians are dead following Israeli strikes in several locations in Gaza on Saturday. Multiple sources say strikes hit northern and southern Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces said the strikes are in response to a violation of the ceasefire agreement agreed to last year.
“8 terrorists were identified exiting the underground terror infrastructure in eastern Rafah,” the IDF posted. “The IDF and [Israeli Security Agency] have struck 4 commanders and additional terrorists from the Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist organizations across Gaza.”
Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, condemned the strikes, saying the current ceasefire is “in name only.”
“A ceasefire means guns fall silent and give way to efforts to end the war,” he said. “Enough. People in Gaza deserve a genuine ceasefire – a much overdue ceasefire.”
Mahmoud Shinnar was one of the people killed by the airstrikes on Gaza City. His mother spoke with the Associated Press.
“War is full of horrors, and death is difficult. You don’t understand me,” she said.
The strikes occurred as phase two of the 20-point peace plan is expected to begin. The second phase focuses on further prisoner exchanges, a further or possibly complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and establishing permanent border arrangements.
It also calls for creating an international stabilization force, forming a technocratic Palestinian government and disarming Hamas.
Saturday’s strikes come one day before the border crossing at Rafah is set to open. On Friday, Israel announced they will reopen the crossing following the return of the remains of 24-year-old Ran Gvili. He was the last missing hostage, recovered Monday. However, during the first phase of the opening only a few will be able to cross.
All of Gaza’s border crossings have been closed since the start of the war.
An Israeli official told the Associated Press earlier this week that 50 Palestinians will be allowed in and 50 out daily. Another person familiar with discussions told the AP 50 would be allowed in daily and 150 out.
Gaza’s Health Ministry has recorded more than 500 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire was announced on Oct.10. More than 71,000 have been killed since the conflict began on Oct 7, 2023. The ministry is part of the Hamas government.
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