Israeli Strikes Continue to Claim Lives in Gaza Amid Ceasefire

At least five people have been killed and 11 others injured in a series of incidents across the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian and Israeli officials. The incidents occurred on Friday, during which time Israel carried out targeted operations in the besieged territory.

In central Gaza’s Maghazi refugee camp, two Palestinian men were reported dead after being targeted in a drone strike. In the southern city of Rafah, three people were killed by Israeli air force strikes, with eight individuals reportedly emerging from an underground location. The Israeli military stated that further strikes were launched and soldiers continued to conduct searches in the area.

In Rafah, Israeli naval gunboats also pursued fishing boats and opened heavy machinegun fire on fishermen off the coast, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Palestinian authorities have demanded the immediate reopening of the Rafah border crossing, a stipulation of the US-brokered ceasefire deal. The crossing is a vital conduit for humanitarian aid and has been closed since the ceasefire came into force in October.

Since the ceasefire began, at least 492 Palestinians have been killed and 1,356 injured, according to Palestinian authorities. The US-brokered agreement aimed to halt fighting between Israel and Hamas but has seen limited progress on the ground.

Source: Al Jazeera