Gaza City, DZWatch – A Palestinian civilian was killed by Israeli fire in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City today, as the Israeli military continued operations, including airstrikes and demolitions, within the designated ‘Yellow Line’ area of the Gaza Strip. These actions coincide with ongoing searches for the remains of a missing Israeli soldier in the northern part of the territory.
According to reports, the Palestinian was killed by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in the Zeitoun district, located southeast of Gaza City. Witnesses reported that Israeli artillery shelling targeted eastern areas of Khan Younis, also within the ‘Yellow Line.’ This area, established under the ceasefire agreement implemented on October 10th, places approximately 53% of the Gaza Strip under Israeli military control.
Further reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes targeted areas east of Khan Younis and in Rafah, both within the ‘Yellow Line’ perimeter. Witnesses also confirmed that the IDF demolished buildings and conducted airstrikes in the Tuffah neighborhood, east of Gaza City, as part of an apparent effort to expand its area of control.
Hamas has issued a statement condemning the continued violations of the ceasefire agreement, accusing Israel of targeting displaced persons outside of the ‘Yellow Line.’ The organization called on mediators and guarantor nations to take decisive action to halt Israeli violations and enforce the terms of the agreement.
Separately, it has been confirmed that Palestinian groups are actively involved in searching for the body of a missing Israeli soldier in northern Gaza, in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This comes after an announcement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office stating that remains previously received by Israel through the ICRC did not belong to any of the missing Israeli soldiers. Israel continues to demand the return of the remains of two missing soldiers as a prerequisite for moving forward with the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
