After receiving three bodies, 'Israel' strikes east Khan Younis in new ceasefire violation

• 'Israeli' artillery, tanks, and drones strike eastern and northern Khan Younis, Gaza, marking a new ceasefire violation.
• 'Israeli' airstrikes also target areas east of Al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza.
• The attacks occurred after 'Israel' received three bodies from Gaza via the Red Cross for forensic identification.

'Israeli' artillery and tanks bombarded eastern and northern Khan Younis in southern Gaza early Saturday, in what Palestinian sources described as a new violation of the ceasefire agreement.

The attacks coincided with 'Israeli' airstrikes on eastern Gaza City, where forces demolished several residential buildings.

Renewed Bombardment and Demolitions

According to field reports, 'Israeli' warplanes launched multiple raids east of Khan Younis, while ground forces detonated apartment blocks in eastern Gaza City.
Eyewitnesses said 'Israeli' drones also dropped bombs east of Al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, where artillery and tank fire continued to target nearby areas. Local sources confirmed that several residential structures were destroyed during these operations.

The strikes come despite the ceasefire deal reached under the so-called “Trump Peace Plan,” which ended a two-year 'Israeli' military campaign that began on October 7, 2023. That conflict left more than 68,000 Palestinians dead and over 170,000 wounded, mostly women and children, and destroyed around 90 pecent of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure, with reconstruction costs estimated by the UN at USD 70 billion.

Three Bodies Transferred via Red Cross

Meanwhile, 'Israeli' source announced late Friday that they had received three bodies from the International Committee of the Red Cross, transferred from Gaza for identification at 'Israel’s' forensic institute.
'Israel’s' public broadcaster reported that the remains are being examined to determine whether they belong to any of the 11 captives still held in Gaza.

Channel 13 quoted Hamas as informing the Red Cross that it did not know the identities of the bodies, suggesting 'Israel' conduct its own tests. 'Israeli' military sources told Agence France-Presse that preliminary findings indicate the remains may not belong to the captives.

These developments follow 'Israel’s' receipt on Thursday of the bodies of two captives, Amiram Cooper and Sahar Baruch—whose identities were confirmed by 'Israeli' authorities.

Since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, 2025, Hamas has handed over 20 'Israeli' captives alive and 19 bodies out of 28, according to the movement. 

Ceasefire Under Strain

The exchange of bodies and captives forms part of the first stage of the truce and prisoner-swap agreement between Hamas and 'Israel'. Israeli officials have linked the start of the second phase of negotiations to the return of the remaining bodies, while Hamas says the massive destruction in Gaza is delaying recovery efforts.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s government media office said around 9,500 Palestinians remain missing under the rubble from 'Israeli' bombardments, while more than 10,000 Palestinians, including women and children, are still imprisoned in 'Israeli' jails, enduring harsh conditions and medical neglect.

As drones and warplanes continue to hover over Gaza City and Khan Younis, the renewed strikes underscore the fragility of the ceasefire and the growing humanitarian toll on a population already devastated by years of genocide.