Why Israel is Attacking Gaza Even After Hamas Ceasefire

Israel and Hamas have announced a ceasefire, but tensions remain high as the Israeli military reported carrying out an airstrike in central Gaza on Saturday. The strike, which reportedly targeted a member of the Islamic Jihad in the Nuseirat area, was described by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a preemptive measure to prevent a potential attack on Israeli soldiers.

Military Operations Continue

The IDF stated that its troops under the Southern Command remain deployed in the area under the ceasefire agreement and will continue operations to eliminate any immediate threat. Hamas has not yet given an official response to Israel’s claim.

How Many People Are Injured?

This airstrike came at a time when the ceasefire is in effect between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, although both sides accuse each other of violating the agreement. In the Hamas-controlled area, Al-Awda Hospital confirmed that injured people were brought for treatment after the attack in Nuseirat. The hospital said that four people were brought in after a civilian vehicle in Nuseirat camp, in the Al-Ahli Club area, was hit by Israeli fire. The army said it will continue operations in Gaza to neutralize any immediate threats to its soldiers.

Drone Attack on Vehicle

Witnesses told the media that they saw a drone strike on a car in Gaza, causing the vehicle to catch fire. Local health workers reported that four people were injured in the attack, but there are no confirmed deaths yet. Meanwhile, witnesses also said that Israeli tanks fired in the eastern parts of Gaza City, which is the largest urban center in the area.

Return of Hostages’ Bodies

Several Israeli media reports stated that, breaking from its old policy of restricting foreign access, Israel allowed Egyptian representatives to enter Gaza to help locate the bodies of hostages taken during Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. Under the ceasefire agreement, Hamas promised to return all kidnapped hostages, but the bodies of 18 victims remain in Gaza. Meanwhile, Hamas has released all 20 living Israeli hostages taken during the October 7 attacks. The released hostages were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and have reunited with their families in Israel.