Daijiworld Media Network – Gaza
Gaza, Nov 25: Israeli forces killed three Palestinians in Gaza on Monday near the line separating areas under Israeli control, highlighting the challenges in expanding a fragile ceasefire agreement reached over six weeks ago.
Palestinian medics reported that an Israeli drone fired a missile east of Khan Younis, killing two and wounding another, while a tank shell struck the eastern side of Gaza City, killing one person. Israel’s military said the strikes targeted “terrorists” crossing the so-called yellow line and approaching its troops, posing an immediate threat.
The armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad stated it had located the body of a hostage in Israeli-controlled territory in Gaza, though the timing of its handover remains uncertain. This body is one of three still in Gaza.
The ceasefire deal signed by Hamas and Israel on October 9 ended two years of devastating conflict but left unresolved disputes for future talks. Hamas had released all 20 surviving hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and wartime detainees held by Israel. The agreement also involved the return of remains of 28 hostages in exchange for 360 militants’ remains.
Since the truce, both sides have accused each other of violating the agreement. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 342 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since October 10, while Israel reports three soldiers killed by militant attacks in the same period.
The United Nations Security Council last week endorsed Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, which calls for an interim technocratic Palestinian government in Gaza, backed by an international “board of peace” and security force. The plan also envisions reforms of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, involved in developing the plan, met PA deputy leader Hussein al-Sheikh in the West Bank on Sunday to discuss developments following the Security Council resolution and Palestinian self-determination.
Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation in Cairo, led by exiled chief Khalil al-Hayya, held talks with Egyptian officials on the next phase of the ceasefire. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said Israeli violations were complicating the agreement and stressed that the international security force must keep Israeli troops away from civilians.
A Palestinian official involved in the Cairo talks described the situation as uncertain, noting that the Americans have yet to outline the force’s size, mandate, or deployment, warning that any deployment without political consensus could further complicate the process.