Israel hits ‘targets’ in Gaza’s south and north despite truce

Israeli warplanes and artillery struck Khan Younis in south Gaza and neighbourhoods of northern Gaza City on Friday night, despite Israel’s claim that it returned to the ceasefire two days ago.

The United States-brokered ceasefire has so far failed to completely halt Israeli attacks on the besieged enclave.

Ahmed Radwan, the Palestinian Civil Defence’s media officer in the southern city of Rafah, has told Al-Aqsa TV more than 200 Palestinians have been killed and about 600 others wounded since the ceasefire deal came into effect this month.

Radwan also said Israel is “deliberately” targeting rescue workers in violation of international law.

He said his team needs all the help it can afford to retrieve the bodies, living or dead, of around 10,000 Palestinians buried under the rubble across Gaza Strip.

Israel has warned that it would continue to operate to take out perceived threats inside Gaza Strip, despite a truce being in force.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has hit out at Israel, accusing the country of trying to find excuses to violate the Gaza ceasefire deal.

“Everyone knows Israel’s terrible record when it comes to keeping its promises,” Erdogan said during an address at the TRT World Forum in Istanbul.

Meanwhile, Israel on Friday returned the bodies of 30 more Palestinian prisoners to Gaza, some exhibiting signs of torture, after Hamas returned the bodies of two more deceased Israeli captives yesterday.

LND/SAE