Gaza's Hamas-run civil defence has reported that eleven individuals were killed, all members of the same family, after an Israeli tank shell struck their bus in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
The victims, identified as the Abu Shaaban family, were attempting to reach their home for inspection when the incident occurred late Friday night in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City. This tragic event marks the deadliest single incident involving Israeli forces since the onset of the ceasefire eight days ago.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) indicated that soldiers fired at a 'suspicious vehicle' that crossed into areas still controlled by Israeli forces. According to a military spokesperson, the vehicle continued to approach troops in a manner deemed threatening, prompting them to open fire.
However, the civil defence spokesperson, Mahmud Bassal, described the victims as innocently traveling to check on their home, emphasizing that the casualties included women and children.
With Israeli troops still operating in significant portions of the Gaza Strip, the ceasefire agreements have been complex and unclear for many civilians. Without clear demarcations of military zones, many residents do not have proper access to information, leading to tragic incidents such as this one.
In the background of this incident, humanitarian challenges persist as Hamas released the body of an Israeli hostage, amidst rising tensions surrounding the treatment of deceased hostages and the return of remains from both sides. This situation continues to unfold, highlighting the dire state of affairs in the region.
