Ceasefire Violation: Israel Shells Gaza Hours after Agreement Ratified
The Israeli occupation army continued its artillery and aerial bombardment across the Gaza Strip today, Friday, despite the Israeli government’s approval of the prisoner exchange and ceasefire agreement just hours before.
Al-Jazeera’s correspondent reported that the Israeli army conducted an aerial raid and fired artillery east of Gaza City, supported by helicopter fire.
An airstrike also targeted northern Khan Younis in the southern Strip, coinciding with artillery shelling. There were no immediate reports of casualties or specified targets for this last-minute bombardment.
The military actions closely followed the official ratification of the truce and came shortly after a last-minute massacre in Gaza. On Thursday evening, an Israeli raid on the Al-Sabra neighborhood of central Gaza City targeted a home, resulting in four Palestinians killed and 40 missing, many of whom were still under the rubble at the time of the ceasefire announcement.
Medical sources in Gaza hospitals reported a prior 24-hour toll of 27 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire across the Strip.
The strikes also followed an announcement from the Israeli army earlier in the day that one of its soldiers was killed in the Al-Shati refugee camp after being shot by a Palestinian sniper on Thursday.
Agreement Ratification and Terms
The Israeli government ratified the ceasefire after multiple delays late Thursday night. Following the approval, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) outlined the key steps for implementing US President Donald Trump’s plan:
Immediate End to Hostilities: The war was set to end immediately upon the government’s approval.
Withdrawal: Israeli forces are expected to complete their withdrawal to the agreed-upon Yellow Line soon.
No Return: The Israeli army will not return to withdrawn areas as long as Hamas fully implements the agreement.
Prisoner Exchange: Within 72 hours of the army’s withdrawal, all Israeli prisoners (living and deceased) are to be released, with Israel simultaneously releasing a corresponding number of Palestinian prisoners.
Suspension: All aerial and artillery fire and targeting operations are to be suspended during the 72-hour exchange period.
Aid and Surveillance: Immediate entry of aid will commence, and aerial surveillance will be suspended over the areas from which the Israeli army withdrew.
In response, the Civil Defense called on Gaza residents to not return to former Israeli positions until the military withdrawal is officially announced.
The ongoing Israeli genocide since October 7, 2023, has resulted in massive casualties: approximately 67,194 killed and 169,890 wounded, with women and children making up the majority. The genocide has also caused a famine that has killed 460 Palestinians, including 154 children.
(PC, AJA, Israeli Media)