ТASHKENT, December 23. /Dunyo IA/. Israeli forces have killed six Palestinians, including an infant, who were taking shelter in a school, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to “The Guardian”, the latest attack has raised the number of Palestinians killed since the ceasefire took effect in October to 401.

Reports note that that the shelling began without warning, with one witness describing the scene as a “bloodbath.” Israeli troops remain in control of about 53% of the territory and regularly conduct airstrikes in the areas it does not occupy.

The first phase of the ceasefire involved halting hostilities between Israel and HAMAS, the withdrawal of troops to the ceasefire line, and an increase in humanitarian aid. The second phase is intended to achieve lasting peace, but the parties have yet to agree on key issues, including HAMAS’ disarmament and the transfer of authority to a civilian transitional administration under the deployment of an international stabilization force.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the objectives and authority of any international mission in Gaza must be clearly defined before foreign troops are deployed.

Meanwhile, the ceasefire remains fragile, as progress toward long-term peace after two years of conflict in Gaza has been slow. Reports indicate that nearly 71,000 people have been killed during the conflict, with approximately half being women and children.

Photo from "The Guardian" website