Israeli forces have killed at least 82 people in Gaza, including at least 30 in Gaza City, since Hamas and Israel announced a ceasefire agreement, according to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera.
One attack on a house near the Engineers Union Building in Gaza City on Wednesday night claimed at least 18 lives, Al Jazeera Arabic reported.
The Palestinian Civil Defence recovered 12 bodies from Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood, while an Israeli drone strike in the Karaj area of the Bureij camp in central Gaza killed five people.
The death toll, recorded from Wednesday morning onward, continued to climb as Palestinians, who briefly celebrated news of the ceasefire deal, returned to shelter in their tents.
The ceasefire, set to begin on Sunday, has not yet eased fears of further attacks. Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Deir el-Balah, described initial celebrations turning somber within hours. “People expect more intense attacks by drones and artillery before the bombing stops,” Mahmoud said.
Al Jazeera’s Anas al-Sharif reported that joy following the announcement quickly dissipated due to Israeli airstrikes targeting hospitals, shelters, and homes in Gaza City.
Both Israel and Hamas confirmed a ceasefire and captive exchange deal, though final details, including the release of Palestinian prisoners, remain unresolved. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed discussions with negotiators in Doha about the agreement.
Hamas leader Izzat al-Risheq stated that the deal fulfils the group’s demands, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the return of displaced residents, and a permanent end to hostilities in Gaza.
The ceasefire is set to proceed in three phases, but its precise start time on Sunday remains unclear.