Israeli shelling killed three Palestinians near a ceasefire line in Gaza on Monday, testing the fragile truce after a weekend of heavy fighting.
At least 28 people died in Sunday’s Israeli strikes across the enclave, which Israel said were in response to a Hamas attack that killed two of its soldiers in Rafah.
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are visiting Israel this week to push the second phase of President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan. Arab mediators are also increasing diplomatic efforts to maintain calm.
Both Israel and Hamas say they remain committed to the truce, despite several violations since it began.
Monday’s strike in Gaza City’s Tuffah district deepened uncertainty about the “yellow line” marking Israel’s pullback zone.
“The area is in ruins. We saw the maps, but can’t tell where the line runs,” said Samir, a resident of Tuffah.
Israel later released footage showing bulldozers placing yellow blocks to mark the boundaries.
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Hamas accused Israel of repeated ceasefire violations that killed 46 people and restricted aid. Israel’s aid agency, COGAT, said convoys would continue entering Gaza, though the Rafah crossing remains closed.
President Trump insisted the truce “remains in place,” suggesting Hamas leadership may not be responsible for the latest attacks.
Egypt hosted talks on Monday with Hamas’ exiled leader Khalil Al-Hayya to discuss forming a technocratic body to administer Gaza.
Israel has long rejected such proposals, insisting Hamas must disarm and withdraw from governance.
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Many Gaza residents fear renewed violence. “I felt my heart drop. Everyone rushed to buy food. Prices spiked immediately,” said Abu Abdallah, a displaced businessman.
Kushner said that the future of Trump’s 20-point peace plan depends on whether international partners can build “a viable alternative.”
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
