Gaza's Hamas-run civil defense reports that 11 people, all from the same Abu Shaaban family, were killed after an Israeli tank shell struck their bus in northern Gaza. The family was attempting to reach their home in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City on the night of the strike.
This incident represents the deadliest single military strike involving Israeli forces during the eight days of the current ceasefire.
The Israeli military communicated that their soldiers had targeted a 'suspicious vehicle' that crossed a designated yellow line indicating areas occupied by Israeli forces in Gaza.
According to civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal, the victims were attempting to check on their home when the tragic event unfolded, resulting in the loss of lives that included women and children.
In response, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) indicated that prior to the attack, warning shots were fired as the vehicle approached their positions, which they considered to present an imminent threat.
Despite the IDF's justification, Hamas officials condemned the attack as an unwarranted targeting of civilians.
Israeli authorities have continued to emphasize heightened caution in areas of Gaza still under their military control, highlighting the confusion due to unclear measures marking these zones, which has aggravated civilian risk during the ongoing conflict.
The incident comes amid recent developments surrounding the release of hostage remains by Hamas and Israel's back-and-forth regarding the exact terms of their ceasefire agreement. Both parties continue to assert their narratives amidst a backdrop of rising casualties, with estimates suggesting over 67,900 fatalities resulting from Israeli military actions since early October.
The situation remains volatile, as efforts to clarify territorial demarcations are seen as urgent for safeguarding civilians' lives during this protracted and tragic conflict.
