Israeli strikes hit Gaza hours after ceasefire announcement

ISTANBUL (AA) – Israeli forces carried out fresh attacks on Gaza early Friday, hours after the government in Tel Aviv announced a ceasefire agreement with Palestinian factions.

According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, several artillery shells struck the Al-Katiba area in central Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, while Israeli drones were seen flying overhead. The eastern parts of Gaza City also came under artillery fire and helicopter gunfire.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement early Friday that the government had approved a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza and exchange prisoners with Palestinian factions. Israeli media reported that the truce took effect immediately following the approval.

The ceasefire follows a 20-point plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump on Sept. 29, which calls for the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a permanent ceasefire.

The second phase of Trump’s plan envisions a new governing structure in Gaza excluding Hamas, the formation of a joint Palestinian-Arab security force, and Hamas’ disarmament.

It also calls for Arab and Islamic countries to finance Gaza’s reconstruction, with limited involvement from the Palestinian Authority.

While Arab and Muslim nations have broadly welcomed the plan, many have cautioned that its implementation will require further negotiations.

Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed nearly 67,200 Palestinians in Gaza—most of them women and children—leaving the enclave devastated and largely uninhabitable.