Israeli Attack Kills 11 Members of Palestinian Family in Gaza, Violating Fragile Ceasefire:

Gaza City – October 18, 2025 A fragile ceasefire in Gaza suffered its deadliest breach on Friday evening when an Israeli tank shell struck a civilian vehicle, killing 11 members of the Abu Shaaban family, including seven children and three women, in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City. According to Gaza’s Civil Defence, the family had been attempting to return home to inspect the damage to their property when the shell hit their car. Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Basal described the attack as a grave violation of the ceasefire agreement, emphasizing that the family posed no threat. “They could have been warned or dealt with differently,” Basal said in a public statement. “What happened confirms that the occupation is still thirsty for blood, and insists on committing crimes against innocent civilians.” Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, condemned the strike as a “massacre,” stating that the attack was unjustified and targeted civilians. The group called on U.S. President Donald Trump and other international mediators to hold Israel accountable and ensure compliance with the terms of the ceasefire. The “yellow line,” a demarcation line marking the limits of Israeli military presence under the ceasefire, has been a point of confusion for civilians. Many Palestinians, cut off from internet access and reliable communication, are unaware of where Israeli forces remain, increasing the risk of deadly encounters. “People are unknowingly crossing into zones still controlled by Israeli forces,” said Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary, reporting from Gaza City. “And Israeli troops have opened fire on them.” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has said the yellow lines will be clearly marked “soon,” but no timeline has been provided. Meanwhile, Israeli forces reportedly continue to control around 53 percent of the Gaza Strip. Since the ceasefire began eight days ago, at least 38 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, according to Gaza’s Media Office. Another deadly incident occurred last week in the Shujayea neighborhood, where five people lost their lives. The ceasefire agreement also includes the exchange of captives and prisoners. Hamas has returned the bodies of 10 Israeli captives since the truce began. On Friday evening, the group handed over another body but noted that more remains are still trapped under the rubble. Efforts to recover additional bodies have been hampered by Israel’s continued blockade on the entry of heavy machinery and excavation equipment into Gaza. “The people here have the experience and skills to retrieve bodies,” said Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud. “But without the proper equipment, it’s a nearly impossible task.” Humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate rapidly. The Israeli blockade of key border crossings, including the vital Rafah crossing with Egypt, has severely restricted the flow of essential aid, including food, water, and medical supplies. The United Nations has warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis, with nearly half the population receiving less than six liters of drinking water per day — well below the emergency standard. The World Food Programme reports it has been able to deliver only 560 tonnes of food per day since the ceasefire began — a fraction of what is needed to address widespread malnutrition and looming famine. Despite these challenges, Hamas has reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire terms. However, with ongoing attacks, aid restrictions, and the failure to mark safe zones, pressure is mounting on international stakeholders to enforce the agreement and prevent further bloodshed. The killing of the Abu Shaaban family marks a devastating moment in Gaza’s struggle for stability and peace. As the ceasefire hangs by a thread, civilians remain the primary victims of a conflict far from resolution.