In brief
In a significant escalation of violence, Israeli military strikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 17 Palestinians, including six children, following a serious injury of an Israeli soldier from gunfire in the northern region. The Israeli military claims the strikes were a response to a breach of a three-month ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The situation highlights ongoing tensions, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violating the terms of the ceasefire. Hospitals in Gaza report a rising toll from the conflict, which reignited following the Hamas-led attack on Israeli soil in October 2023.
At least 17 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes in the north and south of Gaza, hospitals say.
Israel's military said it happened after terrorists opened fire in the north of the Strip, seriously wounding a soldier during an operation near the Yellow Line, which marks territory controlled by Israel under the three-month-old ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
It added that armoured units and aircraft conducted precise strikes in the area in response to what it considered a blatant violation of the truce.
Hospital officials said six children were among those killed in the Gaza City and Khan Younis areas.
Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City said it had received the bodies of 13 people, including five children, who were killed when tents and homes in the eastern Zeitoun and Tuffah neighbourhoods were hit.
Nasser hospital in Khan Younis said four dead, including one child, were brought there following strikes on tents in the southern Qizan Rashwan area.
Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of nearly-daily violations since the ceasefire took effect on 10 October.
Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry has said at least 529 people have been killed by Israeli fire, while the Israeli military has said four of its soldiers have been killed in Palestinian attacks.
The war was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
Israel responded to the attack by launching a military campaign in Gaza, during which more than 71,800 people have been killed, according to the territory's health ministry.
