Ceasefire in Name Only: “Israel” Bombs Gaza, Blocks Palestinians from Returning Home

By Staff, Agencies

The “Israeli” military has warned Palestinians against returning to northern Gaza, even as it continues to launch airstrikes across the besieged territory despite a newly announced ceasefire intended to end the devastating war.

In a statement on Thursday, the “Israeli” military’s Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, claimed that the area north of Wadi Gaza—the valley dividing the central and northern regions of the enclave—remains “a dangerous combat zone”. He said “Israeli” forces continue to encircle Gaza City, warning that any return to the area poses “a severe risk”.

Adraee further urged Palestinians to stay away from northern Gaza as well as from areas where "Israeli" forces are active throughout the territory. “For your safety, refrain from returning north or approaching areas where [‘Israeli’ forces] are stationed and operating throughout the sector, including in the south and east of the sector, until official instructions are issued,” he stated.

Despite reports of a ceasefire agreement, the apartheid “Israeli” entity has continued its military operations across the Gaza Strip. “Israeli” warplanes struck several sites in western Gaza City, including at least one home in the Shati refugee camp, according to Al Jazeera Arabic. “Israeli” forces also detonated an explosive-laden armored vehicle near residential areas in the Sabra neighborhood, south of Gaza City.

The renewed assaults came just hours after the "Israeli" entity and the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas reached a ceasefire deal through indirect negotiations in Egypt. The agreement, based on a proposal presented by US President Donald Trump, was meant to end nearly two years of genocidal warfare in Gaza.

However, the Gaza Civil Defense agency reported several strikes across the enclave following the ceasefire announcement. “Since the announcement last night of an agreement on a proposed ceasefire framework in Gaza, several explosions have been reported, particularly in areas of northern Gaza,” said agency official Mohammed al-Mughayyir, noting “a series of intense airstrikes” on Gaza City.

The “Israeli” onslaught began on October 7, 2023, following the historic Operation Al-Aqsa Flood launched by Gaza’s resistance fighters, who stormed “Israeli” military bases and captured hundreds of Zionist soldiers and settlers.

Since then, more than 67,000 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been martyred in "Israeli" attacks across the Gaza Strip.