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Palestinian Arabs

Gaza Strip Under Fire: Ceasefire Tested by Periodic Violence

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Israeli military has been attacking the Gaza Strip for a fourth day, resulting in the deaths of three people, as the fragile ceasefire agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump continues to be tested. Despite Israel's commitment to the ceasefire, residents reported Israeli shelling and gunfire in northern Gaza on Friday. The US-brokered ceasefire has been marred by periodic outbreaks of violence since its implementation three weeks ago, with both sides failing to resolve thorny issues such as Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Israeli military has killed three people in the Gaza Strip over the past four days, testing the fragile ceasefire agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump.
  • The ceasefire has left unresolved issues such as Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, leading to periodic outbreaks of violence.
  • Between Tuesday and Wednesday, Israel retaliated for the death of an Israeli soldier with bombardments that Gaza health authorities said killed 104 people.
  • Under the ceasefire accord, Hamas released all living hostages held in Gaza in return for nearly 2000 Palestinian prisoners and wartime detainees, while Israel agreed to pull back its troops and halt its offensive.
  • Hamas has handed over more than 17 bodies of Palestinian hostages, with 225 bodies having been returned to Gaza so far.
  • Israel has accused Hamas of violating the truce by stalling in the handover of the remains of dead hostages.
  • The two-year conflict in Gaza has killed more than 68,000 Palestinians, leaving the enclave in ruins.
  • A shortage of cash has left Palestinians unable to spend what little money they have without falling victim to wartime profiteers.
  • Banks in Gaza have begun reopening, but a shortage of cash has led to queues and people coming away disappointed.

Statistics:

  • 104 people killed by Israel during bombardments between Tuesday and Wednesday.
  • 68,000 Palestinians killed in two years of conflict.
  • 28 dead hostages still missing, with Hamas promising to locate and retrieve their bodies.
  • 225 Palestinian bodies returned to Gaza so far.
  • 17 bodies of Palestinian hostages handed over by Hamas.
  • 360 Palestinian militants killed in the war.
  • 1200 people killed in southern Israel by Hamas-led fighters in October 2023.
  • 251 hostages brought back to Gaza by Hamas-led fighters.

Sources:

  • [ Reuters ]
  • [ Palestinian WAFA news agency ]
  • [ Gazan health authorities ]
  • [ Israeli military ]
  • [ US President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan ]
  • [ COGAT ]

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