Israeli airstrike in Gaza kills at least five people

An Israeli airstrike killed at least five Palestinians, including four women, in a residential building in Gaza City this Saturday (3), according to health and Civil Defense authorities in the territory.

Among the dead were a Christian woman and her daughter, according to medical teams. The building was destroyed by the bombing, which also caused a fire.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the attack.

"We were sleeping and suddenly we heard continuous attacks and loud explosions. The children woke up scared and started running and screaming," witness Ahmed Al-Dahdouh told Reuters.

According to him, residents left their homes and found a neighbor's property affected.

"There were dead people among the rubble, women, men and children. We started to remove them. They were scattered under the rubble," he reported.

Dahdouh also stated that residents removed the bodies of a Christian mother and daughter from the rubble.

"We are Muslims and they are our Christian brothers. They are not involved in anything, they are peaceful people, and everyone likes them. Now we have removed their bodies, of a mother and her daughter," he said.

The attack comes as a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, brokered by the United States last year, continues to struggle with implementation. The agreement provides, among other points, for the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, in addition to the reconstruction of the territory.

Israel claims that Hamas has re-armed itself and carried out attacks in violation of the ceasefire. In recent weeks, Israeli forces have intensified attacks against the group.

Hamas denies that it is trying to carry out attacks or rebuild its arsenal and accuses Israel of breaching the peace agreement.

Gaza health officials say at least 1,400 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the current ceasefire began in October last year.

Israel says four of its soldiers were killed by Palestinian militants in Gaza in the same period.