Gaza Ceasefire Breached: 6 Palestinians Killed by Israeli Forces While Inspecting Homes

The Israeli military reported their troops fired upon individuals who approached their designated positions.

Gaza's civil defence agency reported that Israeli forces were responsible for the deaths of six Palestinians in separate incidents on Tuesday, while the Israeli military stated that their troops opened fire on suspects who approached their positions.

Mahmud Bassal, spokesperson for the civil defence agency operating as a rescue force under Hamas, stated that five individuals were killed while examining their homes in the Shujaiya district of Gaza City.

"Israeli quadcopter drones opened fire on civilians inspecting their homes in Shujaiya," Bassal explained.

The Israeli military claimed their troops fired after "several suspects were identified crossing the yellow line and approaching IDF troops operating in the northern Gaza Strip".

"Attempts were made to distance the suspects," the statement continued.

"The suspects did not comply and continued approaching the troops, who opened fire to remove the threat."

Under a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, Israeli forces have withdrawn to a designated "yellow line," though troops still maintain control over approximately half of Gaza.

In a similar occurrence, Bassal reported that an Israeli drone strike killed one person when targeting a group of civilians in the town of Al-Fukhari, southeast of Khan Yunis city.

When asked for comment, the military informed AFP that the group had presented "an immediate threat" to troops stationed in the area.

"The suspects attempted to move toward an area where a Hamas weapons storage facility was positioned and was previously dismantled," the military stated.

"The troops opened fire to remove the threat."

Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing many areas mean AFP cannot independently verify the casualty figures and details provided by either the civil defence agency or the Israeli military.

Tuesday's incidents occurred on the fifth day of the truce brokered by US President Donald Trump.

As part of the agreement, Hamas on Monday released the final 20 living hostages along with the bodies of four captives.

In exchange, Israel freed nearly 2,000 prisoners, predominantly Palestinians, and returned the remains of 45 Palestinians.