Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 20 Palestinians and injured dozens on Wednesday, just hours after the announcement that a ceasefire agreement had been reached, according to media reports.
One airstrike on a residential building in Gaza City’s Al-Nasr neighborhood killed 15 people, including women and children, medical sources told Anadolu. Many others were injured, and several remain trapped under the rubble.
A civil defense worker on-site described the deadly destruction. “The Israeli army targeted a residential building, causing numerous casualties, mostly women and children. We are still recovering bodies from the debris.”
A doctor at Gaza’s Al-Ahli Arab Hospital reported a steady stream of casualties, in the wake of the ceasefire announcement. “We are still treating victims, including eight injured children.”
In another strike, Gaza’s civil defense reported that three members of the Nabeh family were killed when the airstrike hit their home in Gaza City.
In Khan Younis, Israeli warplanes targeted the Lahham family home, killing two Palestinians and wounding others, according to Palestinian paramedics.
Witnesses reported heavy Israeli bombardment in northern Gaza, with violent explosions and smoke rising from multiple areas.
The deadly airstrikes followed the announcement of the ceasefire and hostage release deal scheduled to take effect on Sunday, January 19. The agreement is subject to approval by Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu’s cabinet on Thursday.