Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – Israeli forces shelled the Tufa residential area in eastern Gaza City on the evening of the 19th, killing at least six Palestinians.
According to the Palestinian News Agency, the Israeli army attacked a center in the Tufa residential area housing dozens of displaced families. Reuters reported that children were among the dead.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded that earlier on the 19th, they discovered several suspects in a building west of the withdrawal line (the "yellow line") established in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and subsequently opened fire on them.
According to The Times of Israel, the military did not specify whether the suspects were armed or what threat they posed.
The IDF stated that it is investigating the incident.
According to AFP, under the Gaza ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas, Israeli forces have withdrawn to positions east of the "yellow line."
The Associated Press reported that while the Gaza ceasefire has been largely maintained, progress has slowed due to mutual accusations of violations by Israel and Hamas.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed at a year-end press conference on the 19th that representatives from the US, Turkey, Qatar, and other countries met in Miami, Florida, to discuss Gaza ceasefire arrangements.
Rubio stated that the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement must be finalized before the second phase can begin.
Rubio said that the second phase requires the announcement of a "Peace Council" to oversee post-war governance of Gaza, the establishment of a committee composed of Palestinian technical officials to manage daily affairs, and the formation of a provisional international stabilization force. He indicated that full implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire could take two to three years.
Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naeem told AFP on the 19th that the talks in Miami aimed at advancing the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire must be focused on ending Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement on Palestinian territory. (End)
