Eleven members of the Abu Shaaban family were killed when an Israeli tank shell struck their bus in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, according to Hamas-run civil defence officials, marking the deadliest single incident involving Israeli forces since a ceasefire was implemented eight days ago.
The tragic event occurred on Friday night as the family was attempting to return to their home in northern Gaza to inspect it following recent hostilities. Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defence reported that all 11 victims were from the same extended family, including women and children, who perished when their vehicle was hit. The area where the incident took place remains under Israeli military control as part of the ongoing ceasefire arrangements, highlighting the persistent dangers civilians face in conflict zones.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated that soldiers had identified a “suspicious vehicle” crossing the designated “yellow line” demarcating areas still occupied by Israeli troops in Gaza. According to military officials, the vehicle approached IDF positions after warning shots were fired, creating what they described as an “imminent threat” that necessitated the use of lethal force. The IDF maintains that their response was in accordance with the ceasefire agreement protocols, though this account has been contested by Palestinian authorities.
Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told news agencies that the victims were simply trying to check on their family home when the attack occurred. He emphasized that the family posed no threat to Israeli forces and described the incident as an unjustified targeting of civilians. The civil defence’s account contrasts sharply with the military’s version of events, reflecting the deep divisions and mistrust that characterize the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
This deadly confrontation underscores the fragile nature of the current ceasefire, which began after intensive diplomatic efforts. Israeli soldiers continue to operate in more than half of the Gaza Strip under the terms of the agreement’s first phase. The yellow line demarcation has proven particularly problematic, as it remains unmarked physically and many Palestinians lack reliable internet access to stay informed about restricted areas, increasing the risk of such tragedies.
In response to the incident, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Friday that the army would establish visual signs to clearly indicate the location of the yellow line. This measure aims to prevent similar occurrences by providing clearer guidance to Palestinian civilians moving through the complex territorial arrangements in post-ceasefire Gaza. However, implementation details and timelines remain unclear, raising concerns about immediate safety.
The timing of this incident coincides with other developments in the ceasefire implementation, including the exchange of deceased individuals’ remains between the parties. On Friday, Hamas returned the body of Israeli hostage Eliyahu Margalit through the Red Cross, while Israel handed over 15 Palestinian bodies to Gaza authorities. These exchanges occur amid ongoing disputes about the full implementation of hostage return agreements, with Israel accusing Hamas of failing to uphold its commitments.
As investigations continue and families mourn their losses, this event raises serious questions about the sustainability of the ceasefire and the protection of civilian lives in contested areas. The international community watches closely as both sides navigate the delicate implementation of agreements while dealing with the aftermath of prolonged conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties and humanitarian challenges in Gaza.