Israeli forces kill two Palestinians in Gaza amid border tensions

Israeli Forces Launch Artillery and Helicopter Attacks on Southern Gaza

A tent in al-Mawasi, southern Gaza, was targeted by Israeli forces on Monday, resulting in the deaths of a five-year-old girl and her uncle. The incident brings the total number of Palestinians killed since the ceasefire came into effect in October to at least 422, according to Gaza health authorities.

The Nasser Medical Complex reported that four others, including children, were also injured in the attack. Israel’s military stated that it targeted a Hamas fighter who was planning to attack Israeli forces “in the immediate timeframe.” However, the military did not provide evidence for this claim.

Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces have continued to carry out near-daily attacks on Gaza and maintain restrictions on humanitarian aid entry. The Palestinian Civil Defence reported another incident in which a damaged building collapsed, killing a 29-year-old father and his eight-year-old son.

The Gaza ceasefire, agreed upon after over two years of conflict that resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 people, is being implemented in phases. The first stage includes exchanges of captives and prisoners, increased humanitarian aid, and the reopening of Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt.

Humanitarian groups have expressed concerns about Israeli restrictions hampering aid deliveries, while the Rafah crossing remains closed. Israel has released nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners, including some serving life sentences. However, the status of the Rafah crossing is subject to change, as reported by Israeli authorities on January 1.

According to reports, Israeli authorities are preparing to reopen the Rafah border crossing in both directions following pressure from US President Donald Trump. This development has left many Palestinians hopeful, with some expressing relief and others seeking medical treatment abroad due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Source: Al Jazeera