Daijiworld Media Network – Gaza
Gaza, Mar 2: At least four Palestinians were killed in separate Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, according to Palestinian health officials and local sources.
Two of the casualties were reported in Beit Hanoun, located in northern Gaza, after an Israeli military drone targeted a group of locals. The Gaza-based health authorities confirmed the deaths, stating that the attack occurred while the individuals were in a public area.
The Israeli military, in a statement, claimed its forces had identified individuals engaged in "suspicious activities" near military positions, alleging that they were planting an explosive device. The Israeli Air Force launched a strike to "eliminate the perceived threat", reiterating its stance on ensuring security for its soldiers and civilians.
Meanwhile, hundreds of families were forced to flee their homes in Beit Hanoun due to continued Israeli airstrikes, eyewitnesses reported.
In Khan Younis, medical teams recovered the body of a woman and treated two others who were wounded following an Israeli bombardment in the town of Al-Farahin, east of the city.
In Rafah, another Palestinian, a young man, was shot dead by Israeli forces while standing on the roof of his home in the city center, according to Palestinian medical sources at Gaza’s European Hospital in Khan Younis.
The Israeli army has not issued a statement regarding the attacks in Khan Younis and Rafah.
The latest violence comes a day after the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas concluded, which was expected to lead to further negotiations for a lasting truce.
Despite the ceasefire that has been in effect since January 19, Israeli attacks have continued, with reports estimating that the conflict has resulted in the deaths of nearly 48,200 people, leaving large parts of Gaza in ruins.
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued arrest warrants in November last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.