Israeli forces have killed 11 members of the Abu Shaaban family in Gaza, marking the deadliest single violation of the fragile eight-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The incident occurred on Friday evening in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City when a tank shell struck a civilian vehicle carrying family members, according to Gaza’s civil defence authorities.

---

Victims Include Children and Women

Among the 11 victims were seven children and three women, who were killed while attempting to return home to inspect property damaged in previous strikes. Civil defence spokesperson Mahmoud Basal condemned the attack, stating:

“They could have been warned or dealt with differently. What happened confirms that the occupation is still thirsty for blood and insists on committing crimes against innocent civilians.”

Hamas described the strike as a “massacre”, calling on mediators and US President Donald Trump to pressure Israel into respecting the ceasefire agreement.

---

Ceasefire Violations and Yellow Line Confusion

The attack occurred when Israeli forces fired on civilians who crossed the so-called “yellow line”, a demarcation Israeli forces were supposed to maintain under ceasefire terms.

Al Jazeera correspondent Hind Khoudary reported from Gaza that many residents lack internet access and are unaware of Israeli positions along the demarcation lines, putting families at ongoing risk. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has stated that yellow lines will soon be clearly marked to prevent further confusion.

Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces currently control approximately 53 percent of Gaza, Khoudary noted.

---

Humanitarian Crisis and Aid Restrictions

As the exchange of captives for Palestinian prisoners continues under ceasefire provisions, Israel has killed at least 28 Palestinians since the truce began and continues to heavily restrict the flow of aid, food, and medical supplies.

• The Rafah crossing with Egypt remains sealed.
• Other key border crossings are blocked, preventing large-scale deliveries of vital humanitarian assistance.
• The United Nations warned that aid convoys struggle to reach famine-hit areas, with nearly 49 percent of residents accessing less than six liters of drinking water per day, below emergency standards.
• The World Food Programme has brought an average of 560 tonnes of food daily into Gaza since the ceasefire—far below what is needed to prevent widespread malnutrition and famine.

---

Hamas Cooperation Amid Blockades

Hamas has expressed continued commitment to the ceasefire, including returning the remains of Israeli captives buried under rubble. On Friday evening, the group handed over another body, bringing the total to 10 since the truce began.

However, Israel’s blocking of heavy machinery and excavation equipment has hindered Hamas’ efforts to recover additional remains. Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, stated that this blockade prevents local experts from effectively retrieving bodies from rubble, worsening the humanitarian situation.

---

Previous Ceasefire Violations

Earlier in the week, Israeli forces killed five Palestinians in Shujayea, another neighborhood in Gaza City. Such repeated violations underscore the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting civilians throughout the enclave.