Gaza's Hamas-run civil defence reports that 11 people were killed, all from the same family, when an Israeli tank shell struck the bus they were in while trying to reach their home in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City. This tragic incident occurred on Friday night and has been recognized as the deadliest single attack involving Israeli troops since the ceasefire went into effect eight days prior.
The Israeli military stated they fired at a 'suspicious vehicle' that allegedly crossed a designated line indicating occupied territory. Meanwhile, the civil defense spokesperson, Mahmud Bassal, confirmed that the victims were members of the Abu Shaaban family, which included women and children, and they were attacked as they aimed to check on their home.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) justified their actions by saying the vehicle represented an imminent threat, leading to their decision to engage. In contrast, Hamas condemned the attack as an unprovoked act of violence against innocent civilians.
Despite soldiers continuing operations in a significant portion of the Gaza Strip, the identification of safe zones remains ambiguous for many residents, complicating their attempts to return home and assess damage caused by the conflict.
In addition to the tragedy, the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza is set to reopen for residents returning to Gaza, and bodies of deceased hostages are being exchanged amid ongoing tensions and complex humanitarian issues stemming from the conflict.
