At least five Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in the Shujayea neighbourhood of Gaza City, with the Israeli army claiming they were shot after approaching soldiers, according to Al Jazeera.
Hours after an Israel-Hamas ceasefire was announced, 28-year-old Palestinian journalist Saleh Aljafarawi was shot dead in Gaza City. The Wafa news agency also reported that Israeli forces carried out overnight raids across the occupied West Bank, wounding at least two people. In Anabta, Tulkarem, a young man was shot in the hand, while in al-Issawiya, near occupied Jerusalem, another young man was injured and arrested. Additional raids took place in Qalqilya, Tubas, and Tammun, where several homes were stormed, and young men were reportedly arrested and assaulted.
The violence comes a day after seven Israelis were returned to Israel after over two years in Hamas captivity. In exchange, Israel released more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and allowed food and aid into Gaza. Families in the occupied West Bank welcomed the released Palestinians with cheers, though many bore signs of extreme violence and torture.
“Since October 7, 2023, torture and violence have been systematically practised inside Israeli prisons. These prisoners have endured a brutal campaign,” said Farraj, professor at Birzeit University, adding that some prisoners also faced sexual violence.
Israel has, however, refused to release Palestinian doctors Hussam Abu Safiya and Marwan Al Hams. The ongoing Israeli military operations since October 7, 2023, have reportedly killed over 67,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured nearly 170,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
