Fresh violence has erupted across the Gaza Strip, with Israeli military operations claiming at least 11 Palestinian lives on Tuesday, including two children, according to local health officials. The incidents mark the latest breach in a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States that began last October.
A three-year-old boy, Yahya Al-Malahi, was among four people killed when an Israeli strike targeted a police vehicle in Gaza City. The child's father, Mukhlis Al-Malahi, told international media the family was returning from a relative's wedding when the attack occurred.
"We got close to Timraz crossroad with Nafaq Street; then, we suddenly found something hitting us. They hit a police vehicle as we walked," the grieving father said, his clothing stained with his son's blood. "What is his fault? What is his crime? He should be wearing a wedding suit at his cousin's today, but instead, he wore a shroud stained with blood."
In northern Gaza near Jabalia, a 14-year-old boy, Ahmed Halawa, was killed in separate Israeli fire. Health authorities confirmed the death without providing additional details at the time.
Later Tuesday, an airstrike struck near a café in the Beach camp in western Gaza City, killing at least five more people and wounding several others. An Israeli military spokesperson said the strike targeted a Hamas militant, though health officials have not confirmed details of those killed.
Families and relatives rushed to Al Shifa, Gaza's largest hospital, to identify and pay respects to the deceased. The scenes reflected the ongoing human toll of the conflict.
Ceasefire Strain
The ceasefire that began in October halted two years of intensive warfare but has remained fragile. Under its terms, Israeli troops maintain control of a depopulated zone comprising more than half of Gaza's territory, while Hamas retains authority over the remaining narrow coastal strip.
Palestinian officials in Gaza have accused Israel of intensifying attacks on Hamas-led police and security forces since the ceasefire began, claiming dozens have been killed in such operations. They argue Israel is attempting to destabilize the territory and create chaos.
Israel's military maintains it is targeting Hamas and other militant factions to prevent attacks. The Israeli Defence Forces did not immediately comment on Tuesday's specific incidents.
The ongoing cycle of violence underscores the precarious nature of the current arrangement and raises questions about the long-term viability of the ceasefire agreement.
This article is based on reporting from CBC World and local Gaza health officials. For the full original report, visit CBC News World.