As a brokered ceasefire draws approaches, Israeli forces targeted five residential buildings in the eastern part of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of 15 people, with several others still missing.
Additional casualties have been reported by Al Jazeera in Israeli soldiers’ attacks in the Deir al-Balah area in central Gaza.
This development unfolds as Israel and Hamas agreed on Wednesday to a ceasefire in Gaza for at least four days.
The purpose of the ceasefire is to facilitate the entry of aid and secure the release of at least 50 hostages held by militants in the Palestinian enclave, in exchange for at least 150 Palestinians jailed in Israel.
In addition to the exchange, Israel has committed to allowing the delivery of essential humanitarian aid, fuel, and medicine to Gaza.
According to Reuters, citing an Israeli national security advisor, the release of hostages is not expected before Friday under the temporary ceasefire conditions.
The official also added that families of the hostages should not anticipate their release on Thursday.
