Israeli air and artillery strikes persist in Gaza despite the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that, since Wednesday, 81 Palestinians have been killed and 188 others injured in ongoing Israeli bombardment across the blockaded Gaza Strip, reports IRNA.
According to Gaza’s Civil Defense Organization, the majority of those killed after the ceasefire announcement were civilians, including 21 children and 25 women. The Israeli airstrikes targeted several areas in the central and southern parts of Gaza, including two residential apartments in Gaza City’s al-Draj and Sheikh Radwan neighborhoods.
The recent fatalities have raised the overall death toll to 46,788 since Israel launched its extensive military campaign on Gaza on October 7, 2023. The Palestinian Ministry of Health also reported that over 110,000 people have been injured in the conflict.
Despite international calls for peace, including messages of congratulations for the ceasefire deal mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, Israel’s attacks on Gaza continue. The ceasefire is set to take effect in three phases starting Sunday, January 19. On Wednesday evening, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed that both Palestinian and Israeli sides had agreed to the terms of the deal.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
