ALBAWABA - Hamas has strongly condemned the Israeli airstrike on Beit Lahia, describing it as a dangerous escalation and a clear indication of Israel’s disregard for international law.
At least nine Palestinians were killed and several others injured in the Israeli assault on northern Gaza. According to Al Jazeera’s correspondent, an Israeli drone targeted a gathering of civilians in Beit Lahia twice, resulting in significant casualties.
In a statement, Hamas accused Israel of deliberately undermining the ceasefire deal, asserting that the attack proves Israel’s intent to backtrack on the agreement and eliminate any opportunity to proceed with its implementation, including a prisoner exchange deal.
The movement also called on international mediators and the United Nations to take responsibility and intervene to stop Israel’s ongoing violations. Hamas urged an immediate response to prevent further escalations.
The airstrike also claimed the lives of four journalists who were covering humanitarian relief efforts in Beit Lahia. Their bodies were transferred to the Indonesian Hospital, as confirmed by Al Jazeera’s correspondent.
Additionally, in southern Gaza’s Rafah city, a Palestinian was shot and wounded by Israeli forces in the Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood.
These incidents are part of a broader pattern of Israeli ceasefire violations, with Israel refusing to move forward with the second phase of the agreement, despite completing the first phase in early March.
