A Palestinian woman was killed early Friday morning by Israeli fire west of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. Simultaneously, Israeli military vehicles advanced into Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, marking a new violation of the ceasefire agreement despite the announced commencement of its second phase.
Medical sources at Nasser Hospital confirmed the death of a 62-year-old woman, stating she was killed by Israeli army fire. Several other individuals were reportedly injured by Israeli gunfire outside of established zones west of Khan Yunis.
Reports indicate that Israeli military vehicles advanced east of Deir al-Balah, accompanied by heavy gunfire near the separation fence between Israeli-controlled areas and the remaining parts of the Gaza Strip. Eyewitnesses stated that Israeli forces fired heavily from drones and vehicles stationed in their areas of control east of Khan Yunis, targeting displaced persons’ tents in the city’s center and west.
These targeted areas are reportedly densely populated with tents housing displaced civilians. The Israeli military had previously withdrawn from the city center as part of the ceasefire agreement. Furthermore, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes and demolition operations within areas under their control east of Gaza City.
This escalation follows a deadly day in Gaza on Thursday, during which 11 Palestinians, including a child and a couple, were killed, and others wounded in airstrikes and gunfire targeting various locations across the Strip.
Since the ceasefire agreement came into effect on October 10th, Israeli forces have allegedly killed approximately 451 Palestinians and injured 1251, according to the latest statistics from the Gaza Ministry of Health.
Earlier this week, a US envoy announced the beginning of the second phase of a US plan to end the conflict in Gaza. This phase is intended to transition from a ceasefire to disarmament, the formation of a technocratic administration, and reconstruction efforts.
