Israeli strikes kill five in Gaza

Israeli strikes claimed the lives of at least five Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Saturday in two separate attacks, according to health officials. One attack near Panda Mall in Gaza City killed four people, while another strike in the Tuffah neighborhood further south claimed the life of an individual. Israel has accused Hamas of rearming and launching attacks in violation of an October ceasefire, leading to an escalation of strikes on the group in recent weeks.

Hamas denies any involvement in attacks or attempts to rebuild its arsenal, accusing Israel of violating the Gaza peace deal. The original US-brokered ceasefire from the previous year aimed at eventual reconstruction of Gaza, but little progress has been made as negotiators could not agree on terms for Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw its troops.

Since the ceasefire, Israeli air strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 1,400 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the territory’s health officials. Israel claims four of its soldiers have been killed in the conflict. Palestinian authorities report that over 74,000 people have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza, which began in October 2023.