Israel intensified strikes on Hamas-controlled Gaza just hours after Qatar and the United States confirmed a ceasefire and hostage release deal in the war-torn Strip.
Residents and authorities in the Palestinian enclave told Reuters about the Israel military's escalated attacks on Gaza after the truce was reached on Wednesday. Meanwhile, mediators sought to quell fighting ahead of the truce's start on Sunday.
The intensified attacks on Gaza by Israel were reported amid mass celebrations over the ceasefire deal, achieved after more than 15 months of the Israel-Hamas war. The deal is expected to pause the war in the Gaza Strip, reported AP.
"While people celebrated the pact in Gaza and Israel, Israel's military escalated attacks after the announcement," reported Reuters, quoting the civil emergency service and residents.
The complex three-phase ceasefire accord between Israel and militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza, emerged on Wednesday after months of mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the US and 15 months of bloodshed that devastated the coastal territory and inflamed the Middle East.
The deal outlines a six-week initial ceasefire with the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, where tens of thousands have been killed. Hostages taken by Hamas would be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
With 98 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza, phase one of the deal entails the release of 33 of them, including all women, children and men over 50.
Qatar's Prime Minister confirmed that the ceasefire in Gaza will begin on Sunday. If successful, the ceasefire will halt fighting that has razed much of the heavily urbanised Gaza, killed over 46,000 people and displaced most of the tiny enclave's pre-war population of 2.3 million, according to Gaza authorities.
However, Israel said several clauses in the ceasefire deal with Hamas remain "unresolved," but it hopes they will be finalised “tonight.” According to news agency AFP, Egyptian state media said talks were underway to open the Rafah crossing to allow aid into Gaza.
"I am happy. Yes, I am crying, but those are tears of joy," said Ghada, a displaced mother of five.
Meanwhile, Ifat Kalderon, cousin of one of the hostages, Ofer Kalderon, said, “I'm happy, but I'm going to fight for each of them until they come back home.”
Catch all the Business News , Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.