On Thursday evening, Israeli aircraft launched an airstrike on the Sabra neighborhood south of Gaza City, killing 4 people and leaving 40 others missing, despite the announcement of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.

Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that the Israeli army targeted a building in Gaza City, adding that “the attack targeted two Hamas members who were present in the building.”

The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation quoted a military source saying, “The attack, carried out with the approval of the Chief of Staff, targeted a building where activity against Israeli army forces was monitored.”

The Israeli army radio also stated that “two Hamas members were assassinated in response to an attempted attack on army forces.”

Signing the Final Draft

Earlier on Thursday, Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Badran confirmed that all concerned parties signed the final draft of the agreement on the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza, in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh.

Badran also clarified that all living and deceased hostages will be released on Monday. She added that the ceasefire in Gaza will begin “within 24 hours” after government approval on Thursday evening.

Meanwhile, Hamas issued a statement demanding that Israel withdraw from the main cities in Gaza on Friday. It added that “the exchange of hostages and prisoners will not begin until after the ceasefire and withdrawal from the cities,” noting that Israel will release 250 life-sentenced prisoners.

Hamas also pointed out that “the agreement includes opening 5 crossings to bring aid into the Gaza Strip.” It confirmed receiving “guarantees from America and mediators that Israel will not return to combat operations.”

Agreement on the First Phase

This came after US President announced on Wednesday evening the reaching of an agreement between Israel and Hamas on the first phase of the Gaza plan, which is a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, potentially paving the way to end a bloody war ongoing for two years.

Just one day after the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attack, indirect talks in Sharm El-Sheikh resulted in an agreement on the first phase of the US 20-point plan to stop the war in Gaza.