Israeli Airstrike Kills 9 in Gaza Amid Ceasefire Disputes

The victims were reportedly on a mission for the Al-Khair Foundation, a local charity, and were accompanied by journalists when the attack occurred. Health officials said several of the wounded were in critical condition.

In a statement, the Israeli military claimed it had targeted two individuals it identified as "terrorists" operating a drone that posed a threat to forces in Beit Lahiya. Later, additional strikes were carried out on individuals it said were collecting drone equipment and entering a vehicle. However, the military did not elaborate on how it determined the individuals were terrorists or explain the nature of the threat posed by the drone.

The attack has raised concerns about the fragility of the ceasefire agreement reached on January 19, which had halted large-scale fighting in Gaza. Despite the ceasefire, Palestinian health officials report that dozens of people have been killed by Israeli fire since the truce began.

Hamas accused Israel of attempting to breach the ceasefire, claiming the latest deaths brought the total number of Palestinians killed since January 19 to 150. The group called on mediators to pressure Israel into advancing the phased ceasefire plan, blaming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the stalled negotiations.

The Israeli military, in response to reports from Gaza medics, stated that its forces had acted to thwart what it described as threats posed by "terrorists" approaching its positions or planting bombs near operational areas.

The incident coincided with ongoing ceasefire talks in Cairo, where Hamas' exiled Gaza chief, Khalil Al-Hayya, was meeting with mediators to resolve disputes with Israel. These discussions are critical as they could determine the future of the ceasefire and the risk of renewed fighting.

Meanwhile, Hamas announced it would release an American-Israeli dual national, Edan Alexander, if Israel agreed to enter the second phase of ceasefire talks. Israel dismissed the offer as psychological warfare, emphasizing its desire to extend the temporary first phase of the ceasefire, a proposal backed by US envoy Steve Witkoff. Hamas, however, insists that hostages will only be freed under the second phase.

The ongoing conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a cross-border raid into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages. In response, Israel's assault on Gaza has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction, leading to accusations of war crimes, which Israel denies.