Israeli forces kill three in Gaza, authorities say

Israeli forces shot and killed at least three Palestinians in separate incidents in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, local health officials said.

Medics said the dead included a 15-year-old boy, a fisherman killed outside territory still occupied by Israel, and a third man shot and killed in Israeli-controlled areas east of the city.

The Israeli army had no comment on the reported events.

Israel has carried out repeated airstrikes since the ceasefire took effect in October, saying they were aimed at preventing attacks or destroying militant infrastructure.

The Gaza health ministry announced that 420 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, while militants killed three Israeli soldiers.

Israel and Hamas have exchanged blame for violations of the ceasefire agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump.

Israel retained control of 53 percent of Gaza under the first phase of Trump’s plan; this plan included the release of hostages held by militants in Gaza and Palestinians detained by Israel.

The last hostage to be handed over is an Israeli police officer who was killed on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants invaded Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking nearly 250 hostage, according to Israeli records.

Israel’s military assault on Gaza has led to the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians and led to accusations of genocide and war crimes, which Israel denies, according to the Gaza health ministry.