By: Sunday Ameh
Gaza’s civil defence agency has reported that Israeli forces carried out heavy overnight bombardments on Gaza City, despite an appeal by United States President Donald Trump for a halt to hostilities following Hamas’s acceptance of a ceasefire deal.
“It was a very violent night. The Israeli army launched dozens of airstrikes and artillery shelling on Gaza City and other parts of the Strip, ignoring President Trump’s ceasefire call,” civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told reporters on Saturday.
According to Bassal, 20 homes were flattened during the strikes, leaving rescue teams struggling to access casualties due to the presence of tanks and continuous shelling.
The Israeli military, when contacted, said it was still “checking” reports of the overnight assault.
Medical facilities in Gaza confirmed fresh casualties. The Baptist Hospital in Gaza City said four people, including children, were killed in a strike on a residential building in the Tuffah neighbourhood. Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis reported two children dead and at least eight others injured after a drone strike on a displacement camp.
The developments come just days after Trump unveiled a peace proposal for Gaza, which was backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages within 72 hours, Hamas’s disarmament, and a phased Israeli withdrawal.
On Friday, Hamas announced readiness to release hostages under Trump’s plan but insisted on participating in negotiations concerning Gaza’s future.
International observers warn that continued bombardments could derail the ceasefire efforts.
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