Gaza, Feb 15 (V7N) - Israeli air strikes killed at least 12 people in Gaza since dawn Sunday, according to the civil defence agency, as violence continued despite an ongoing US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Rescue officials said one strike hit a tent sheltering displaced civilians in Jabalia in northern Gaza, killing five people and injuring several others, while another early morning attack in Khan Yunis in the south left five more dead. One additional fatality was reported from shelling in Gaza City and another from gunfire in Beit Lahia.

Hospitals including Al-Shifa and Nasser confirmed receiving multiple bodies following the attacks, as grieving relatives gathered for funeral prayers in hospital compounds.

A military official said the strikes were carried out in response to alleged ceasefire violations by Hamas, claiming armed fighters crossed a designated buffer zone near Israeli troops. The official described such movements as an explicit breach of the truce terms.

Hamas, however, accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, saying the targeting of displaced civilians in tents constituted a serious breach of the agreement.

Witnesses said many victims were killed while sleeping, highlighting ongoing humanitarian concerns in the enclave despite the truce entering its second phase last month.

Gaza’s health authorities reported that at least 601 people have been killed since the ceasefire began, while Israel said four of its soldiers died during the same period.

Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders suspended non-critical activities at Nasser Hospital after staff reported the presence of armed men and weapons inside the facility, raising fresh concerns over safety and neutrality in medical centres.

Restrictions on media access and the ongoing conflict have made independent verification of casualty figures difficult.

END//RH