The Gaza Strip saw a fourth consecutive day of Israeli military attacks on Friday, resulting in the deaths of three individuals as reported by Palestinian health officials. Despite the proclaimed commitment to a ceasefire by Israel following U.S. President Donald Trump’s intervention, residents in northern Gaza reported ongoing shelling and gunfire.
A Palestinian succumbed to injuries sustained from earlier Israeli shelling, while the ceasefire brokered by the U.S. remains fragile due to unresolved issues such as Hamas disarmament and an Israeli withdrawal timeline. Recent violence flared up between Tuesday and Wednesday, with Israel launching retaliatory bombardments after the death of an Israeli soldier, resulting in the reported deaths of 104 people.
Gaza’s Health Ministry confirmed the delivery of 30 Palestinian bodies by the Red Cross, victims of Israeli military action during the conflict. As part of the ceasefire terms, Hamas released living hostages held in Gaza in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and detainees by Israel, alongside troop withdrawal, offensive cessation, and increased aid.
Hamas committed to transferring the remains of all 28 deceased hostages in return for 360 Palestinian militants killed in the conflict, with 17 bodies handed over so far. The delay in recovering the remaining hostage bodies has strained relations, with Israel accusing Hamas of truce violations.
The prolonged conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties, with over 68,000 Palestinians killed according to local health authorities. The conflict originated from a 2023 attack by Hamas-led fighters on southern Israel, leading to a military response by Israel, causing extensive destruction and casualties.