Tragic Incident in Gaza: Eleven Family Members Killed by Israeli Shelling

Sun Oct 19 2025 13:38:04 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A missile struck a bus transporting a family in Gaza, leading to the deaths of 11 individuals, including women and children. This marks the deadliest event since the ceasefire began, as tensions remain high in the region.

In a devastating incident in northern Gaza, 11 members of the Abu Shaaban family lost their lives when an Israeli tank shell hit their bus while they were attempting to check on their home. The Israeli military claimed they responded to a 'suspicious vehicle' crossing a boundary line, sparking controversy over the engagement. The attack highlights the ongoing volatility and danger in the region, as the ceasefire continues amidst fears and confusion.

Gaza's Hamas-run civil defence reported that 11 people from the same family were killed after the bus they were on was struck by an Israeli tank shell in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City. The tragic event occurred on Friday night as the family attempted to reach their home to assess its condition.

This incident is deemed the deadliest involving Israeli troops in Gaza since the ceasefire commenced eight days prior. The Israeli military stated that their forces fired at what they deemed a 'suspicious vehicle' that had crossed the designated yellow line, an area still controlled by Israeli forces.

According to civil defence spokesperson Mahmud Bassal, the victims were members of the Abu Shaaban family, and the casualties included women and children. The family was on their way to check on their home when they were killed.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) explained that the vehicle approached IDF troops in a manner perceived as a threat, prompting them to fire warning shots before determining it necessary to engage further.

Hamas, however, criticized the military action, asserting that the family was unjustifiably targeted. The ongoing conflict positions Israeli soldiers in control of over half of the Gaza Strip, according to the terms of the ongoing ceasefire agreement.

Amid limited communication capabilities, many residents of Gaza are unaware of the exact locations of Israeli troops, which is exacerbated by the fact that the boundary line is not physically marked. The IDF has released statements emphasizing the warning against Palestinians entering areas under their control, while still facing backlash regarding the rules of engagement.

As a result of the wider ceasefire situation, the Palestinian embassy in Cairo announced that the Rafah border crossing would open for residents in Egypt to return to Gaza, and discussions continue regarding the exchange of hostages and remains between the involved parties.

Since the conflict's escalation on October 7, 2023, the humanitarian toll has been catastrophic, with tens of thousands reported dead due to ongoing Israeli operations in Gaza.