According to the Gaza Health Ministry controlled by Hamas, Israeli airstrikes in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya on Saturday (March 15) resulted in the deaths of at least nine Palestinians, including two local journalists, with several others injured.
The attack targeted a vehicle, leaving victims both inside and outside the car, some critically injured. Witnesses and journalists reported that the individuals inside the vehicle were on a mission for a charity organization called Al-Khair, which included journalists and photographers. Palestinian media reported that at least three of the deceased were local journalists.
In a statement, the Israeli military said they targeted two individuals identified as “terrorists” who were operating a drone, posing a threat to the forces in Beit Lahiya. The military later also targeted and killed several other suspects, claiming they were in possession of drone equipment and had entered a vehicle.
This incident highlights the fragility of the ceasefire agreement from January 19, despite the agreement halting major fighting in the Gaza Strip.
Since the temporary ceasefire’s first phase expired on March 2, Israel has been refusing to engage in the second phase of negotiations, which requires negotiations on permanently ending the war, a key demand of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Israel has expressed a desire to extend the temporary ceasefire’s first phase, but Hamas has stated they will only resume releasing hostages in the second phase of the ceasefire.
On Friday, Hamas stated that if Israel agrees to commence negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire with the goal of permanently ending the war, they will release a dual American-Israeli citizen, 21-year-old Israeli soldier, New Jersey native Edan Alexander. Israel has rejected this proposal.
(This article referenced reporting from Reuters)