Tensions Escalate in Gaza Despite Ceasefire as Israeli Attacks Persist

Early Thursday morning, Israeli military tanks conducted bombardments in the Sheikh Nasser area south of Khan Yunis in Gaza, producing powerful explosions heard throughout the region, as reported by local sources to EFE. These attacks occurred despite a ceasefire agreement signed between Israel and Hamas. So far, there have been no casualties reported from the recent assaults. Sheikh Nasser, located adjacent to the newly designated yellow line, marks the point to which Israeli forces have retreated within Gaza as part of the ceasefire deal, and to which local civilians are prohibited from approaching. Since the truce began on October 10, the Israeli military has repeatedly opened fire on Palestinian civilians attempting to return to their homes to assess their situation, many of whom were unaware they were in a designated military zone. The Israeli army has announced the initiation of marking this yellow line with 35-meter tall concrete posts painted yellow, positioned every 200 meters. This marking process is set to continue in the upcoming days. In the thirteen days since the truce started, Gaza's Health Ministry reported at least 88 fatalities and 315 injuries attributed to Israeli attacks. Al Jazeera reported on the growing pressure from US authorities on Israel to adhere to the ceasefire, emphasizing the complexity of behind-the-scenes negotiations concerning critical issues such as border access, the role of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), and medical assistance for injured individuals in Gaza. Humanitarian aid continues to trickle into the region, mainly due to the closure of the Rafah crossing at the Egypt border, which is crucial for the delivery of food, water, medicine, and fuel. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) successfully evacuated more than 40 critical patients from Gaza, marking the first operation of this nature since the ceasefire was established. The organization, however, has warned that nearly 15,000 injured individuals still await approval for medical care outside the Palestinian enclave. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of WHO, announced the evacuation of 41 critical patients and their companions, while emphasizing the urgent need for countries to facilitate medical evacuations as the health situation in Gaza remains dire. Currently, only 14 of the 36 health centers in Gaza are operational, and none are fully functional, having suffered systematic attacks including airstrikes and ground offensives. The NGO Doctors Without Borders cited similar statistics, with its international director, Javid Abdelmoneim, pointing out that while some countries like Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, Turkey, and Jordan have accepted their responsibility, others have done very little. In a parallel development, Israel's Supreme Court is expected to hear a petition from an organization representing international media, demanding access for independent journalists to Gaza—access that has been heavily restricted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the past two years. Only a limited number of reporters have been allowed in under strictly controlled circumstances, severely hampering comprehensive media coverage of the ongoing conflict. In a statement, the Foreign Press Association highlighted the negative impact of these restrictions, as they hinder efforts to report on the ongoing war. Tania Kraemer, president of the APF, expressed hope that the court would approve their request to allow journalists into Gaza, stating, "It is time for Israel to lift the blockade and allow us to work alongside our Palestinian colleagues." As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains attentive, with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaching critical levels. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2