Ceasefire Deal in Jeopardy as Israeli Forces Resume Bombing in Gaza Strip
In a stark contrast to the officially approved ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, Israeli forces resumed their bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip on Friday, sparking concerns that the deal might fall apart. Local emergency services confirmed that one Palestinian was killed and several others were injured when Israeli shells hit the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in northern Gaza City. Meanwhile, Al-Shifa Hospital staff reported finding 35 bodies in different parts of the city since early morning. The situation deteriorated just hours after the Israeli army announced that a Palestinian sniper had killed one of its soldiers in Gaza's Al-Shati refugee camp on Thursday.
Key Takeaways:
- The Israeli ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, brokered by the US, was officially approved by the Israeli cabinet late Thursday, following several delays.
- The deal requires Israeli troops to withdraw to the "yellow line" drawn by President Donald Trump's proposal and for hostilities to stop completely.
- The agreement stipulates that both sides must release all prisoners, including Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees, based on agreed-upon lists, within the first 72 hours of withdrawal.
- Despite the deal, Israeli forces continued to bombard multiple parts of the Gaza Strip with air and artillery on Friday, leading to casualties and concerns about the agreement's viability.
- The Gaza Civil Defense warned residents to avoid areas previously controlled by Israeli forces due to the presence of unexploded bombs and sniper positions.
- Al-Shifa Hospital staff reported finding 35 bodies in different parts of the city since early morning.
- Israeli warplanes hit northern Khan Younis in the southern part of the enclave, but no one was hurt in the incident.
Statistics:
- 35 bodies were found in different parts of the Gaza City since early morning.
- One Palestinian was killed, and several others were injured when Israeli shells hit the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in northern Gaza City.
- The Israeli army announced that a Palestinian sniper had killed one of its soldiers in Gaza's Al-Shati refugee camp on Thursday.
- Israeli forces resumed their bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip on Friday, leading to concerns about the ceasefire deal's viability.
- 72 hours were given for the withdrawal of Israeli troops to the "yellow line" and for the release of all prisoners.
Sources:
- Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
- Army Radio
- KAN (Israeli public broadcaster)
- Al Jazeera (reporter)
- Gaza Civil Defense
- Al-Shifa Hospital