Israeli airstrike claims the lives of nine individuals in a northern Gaza town, according to medics.

At least nine Palestinians, including two local journalists, were killed and several others injured on Saturday during an Israeli airstrike on Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza, according to Gaza’s health ministry, while Hamas leaders engage in ceasefire discussions with mediators in Cairo.

Health officials reported that several individuals were critically injured when the strike impacted a car, affecting those both inside and outside the vehicle.

Observers and fellow reporters stated that those in the vehicle were on a charitable mission for the Al-Khair Foundation in Beit Lahiya, and they were with journalists and photographers when the attack occurred. According to Palestinian media, at least three local journalists were reported among the deceased.

The Israeli military had no immediate response. The event highlights the vulnerability of the January 19 ceasefire deal that ended major hostilities in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian health authorities report that numerous individuals have lost their lives due to Israeli gunfire, despite the ceasefire.

In response to various incidents reported by medics in Gaza, the Israeli military claims its troops have acted to prevent threats from “terrorists” nearing its forces or placing explosives on the ground close to military operations.

After the initial temporary phase of the ceasefire ended on March 2, Israel has refused to commence the second phase of discussions, which would necessitate negotiating a lasting conclusion to the war, a primary demand from the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The event occurred simultaneously with a trip by Hamas’ exiled leader from Gaza, Khalil Al-Hayya, to Cairo for additional ceasefire discussions intended to address conflicts with Israel that might lead to a renewal of violence in the region.

Hamas announced that it had proposed the release of Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier from New Jersey, following a suggestion from mediators to discuss the second stage of a ceasefire agreement. Israel claims it wishes to prolong the temporary initial phase of the ceasefire, a plan supported by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Hamas states it will continue releasing hostages solely in the second phase.

According to health officials in Gaza, Israel’s subsequent attack on the region has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, devastated large portions of the territory, and sparked allegations of genocide and war crimes, which Israel refutes.