Gaza City, DZWatch – The Israeli military conducted a series of airstrikes and heavy artillery fire across the Gaza Strip on Friday, reportedly violating the existing ceasefire agreements. The attacks targeted areas both north and south of the territory, with reports of intense shelling in central Gaza.
According to reports from the ground, Israeli aircraft struck areas inside the so-called ‘Yellow Line’ southeast of Khan Younis. Simultaneously, artillery fire was directed at areas east of Beit Lahia in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
Local media sources also reported two airstrikes northwest of Gaza City. Furthermore, there were accounts of heavy gunfire from Israeli military vehicles southeast of Khan Younis, as well as southeast and in the center of Deir al-Balah.
While there were no immediate reports of casualties resulting from these latest incidents, sources on the ground noted that the ongoing violations of the ceasefire, in place since October 10th, have resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries. Dozens of homes and buildings have also been destroyed in the continuing violence.
The ‘Yellow Line’ was established following the implementation of a 20-point plan brokered by the United States. It is intended to separate areas under the control of Hamas from a buffer zone controlled by the Israeli military, which constitutes 53% of the Gaza Strip’s landmass. The boundary is physically marked by yellow concrete blocks.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that the total number of fatalities from the conflict, which began in October 2023, has reached 69,187, with 170,703 injuries. The ministry also stated that many victims remain trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings and in the streets, inaccessible to rescue and civil defense teams.
In addition to the human cost, the sustained military actions have caused widespread destruction, with an estimated 90% of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure damaged and preliminary losses totaling $70 billion.
