11 Members of Gaza Family Killed as Israeli Tank Shell Hits Bus, Civil Defence Says

11 Members of Gaza Family Killed as Israeli Tank Shell Hits Bus, Civil Defence Says
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Eleven members of a single family were killed after a bus was struck by an Israeli tank shell in northern Gaza, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defence, as reported by the BBC. The Abu Shaaban family was reportedly travelling to the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City on Friday night to inspect their home when the incident occurred.

Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal said the victims, including women and children, were trying to check on their property when the shell hit. The strike marks the deadliest incident involving Israeli troops in Gaza since the ceasefire began eight days ago.

The Israeli military said its soldiers opened fire on a “suspicious vehicle” that had crossed the so-called yellow line — a boundary marking areas still under Israeli control in northern Gaza. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the vehicle ignored warning shots and continued approaching troops, posing what the military described as an imminent threat.

Hamas, however, condemned the attack, saying the family had been targeted without justification. The IDF has repeatedly warned civilians not to enter areas it continues to occupy. However, humanitarian officials note that limited internet access and the lack of visible markings make it difficult for Palestinians to know where Israeli positions lie.

Separately, Israel handed over the bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza officials via the Red Cross, bringing the total returned to 135, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The exchange is part of a US-brokered ceasefire deal under which Hamas returned 20 living hostages and Israel freed over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.