Gaza: Israeli airstrikes killed at least five Palestinians in separate incidents across the Gaza Strip on Monday, according to local health officials, as tensions continued to undermine a fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.
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Medics reported that one person was killed in an airstrike in the Bureij refugee camp, while another strike in Gaza City left one dead and several others wounded. Later in the day, at least three more people were killed in an Israeli strike in western Khan Younis, according to officials at Nasser Hospital.
The latest violence comes despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States in October following two years of intense conflict. Progress on key provisions — including Hamas disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawals — has stalled, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
According to Palestinian medics, more than 750 people have been killed since the ceasefire began, while Israel says four of its soldiers have died in militant attacks during the same period. Israeli authorities maintain that ongoing operations are aimed at preventing attacks by Hamas and other armed groups.
Separately, clashes were reported between Hamas fighters and members of an Israeli-backed militia in eastern Khan Younis. Witnesses said the militia entered an area under Hamas control, triggering an exchange of fire. A Hamas fighter reportedly fired an anti-tank grenade at a retreating vehicle, causing an explosion, though casualties could not be confirmed.
A video verified by Reuters showed armed men in black uniforms entering the area before gunfire erupted. In another unverified clip, militia leader Hussam Alastal claimed his group was distributing aid when they came under attack, alleging one of his fighters was killed.
Hamas officials said their forces intervened after the group entered civilian areas, accusing the militia of endangering displaced families. The emergence of such armed factions, often viewed locally as operating under Israeli influence, has added further complexity to an already volatile situation.
With the ceasefire under increasing strain, the renewed violence highlights the challenges facing efforts to stabilise the enclave and prevent a return to full-scale conflict.
