At least 82 people have been killed in Gaza following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Despite the truce announcement, violence has escalated, with Israeli airstrikes intensifying and claiming the lives of 30 people in Gaza City alone, according to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera.
The situation raises concerns about the ceasefire’s effectiveness and the potential for lasting peace in the region.
One attack near the Engineers Union Building in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of 18 people, while 12 more bodies were recovered from the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood by the Palestinian Civil Defence.
In central Gaza, a drone strike targeted a gathering in the Bureij refugee camp, killing five people. The death toll, which began to rise at dawn on Wednesday, continued as residents returned to their tents after briefly celebrating the ceasefire news.
“For a couple of hours, people turned this whole area into a stage of celebration, something we are not used to seeing here as this area used to be a stage for funerals for the victims of the war and a space filled with agony and sadness,” said Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza.
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But the ceasefire does not start until Sunday and people in Gaza fear worse is to come before the Israeli bombing stops, Mahmoud said.
“We are expecting a surge in attacks by drones and heavy artillery, and that’s what caused people to end the celebrations after two hours,” he said.
Anas al-Sharif, reporting from Gaza City, also observed that the initial relief among residents was short-lived, as Israeli airstrikes hit hospitals, shelters, and homes following the ceasefire announcement.
“Just hours ago there was an atmosphere of joy and relief among residents here when the ceasefire announcement was made from Doha, stating that it would take effect in the coming days,” al-Sharif said.
“However, immediately after the announcement, Israeli warplanes extinguished that joy for the people – striking hospitals, shelters and homes with direct air strikes.”
Both Israel and Hamas have publicly acknowledged a ceasefire and captive exchange deal has been reached. The ceasefire agreement includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced people, and the end of the conflict. However, Israel has stated that final details, especially regarding the exchange of prisoners, are yet to be finalized.
Currently, there are at least 10,221 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, excluding detainees from Gaza, such as Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, the director of the destroyed Kamal Adwan Hospital.
While the ceasefire’s timing remains unclear, the truce will be implemented in three phases. The agreement has raised hopes for an end to the war in Gaza, but concerns persist about the potential for intensified violence before Sunday.
