News|Israel-Palestine conflictGaza City residents set to return as Israel bombs before ceasefire starts
Al-Ahli Hospital tells Al Jazeera that seven bodies have been recovered after Israeli attack helicopters swoop east of Gaza City.
Regulation
Palestinian families have commenced their return to Gaza City amid ongoing military actions by Israel. This occurs despite the signing of the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement, intended to halt hostilities within 24 hours.
Displaced families from the southern regions of Gaza moved northward on Friday. Concurrently, Israel executed an aerial attack from helicopters on an eastern site in Gaza City and conducted airstrikes in Khan Younis, according to Al Jazeera Arabic.
Casualties and Military Actions
Gaza City’s al-Ahli Hospital reported the retrieval of seven bodies from various locations since Friday morning. No immediate casualties were reported in the Khan Younis strikes, which also involved shelling and tank fire north of the city, as per Al Jazeera Arabic.
These incidents mark the first reported attacks since Israel ratified the first phase of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas on Thursday night. Israeli forces have started repositioning behind the agreed lines according to the ceasefire terms.
Reports indicate high activity of Israeli drones, fighter jets, and warships from early morning. Civilians are advised to avoid border areas of Gaza City until the formal withdrawal of Israeli forces is announced.
Ceasefire Agreement Details
The Israeli government approved the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement, involving the exchange of captives and partial withdrawal from Gaza. However, detailed plans for a comprehensive peace remain unspecified.
Hamas negotiators have reportedly secured guarantees from the United States and other mediators, asserting that the ceasefire effectively concludes the conflict in Gaza.
Humanitarian and Logistical Impact
Residents of Gaza who exited to Egypt will be permitted to return via the Rafah crossing, marking the first such movement since October 7, 2023. Additionally, up to 600 aid trucks will be allowed daily entry into Gaza, facilitating movement between the southern and northern regions along Salah al-Din and Rashid roads.