Kathmandu— One person was killed and five others wounded Wednesday in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a three-wheeled transport vehicle in northern Gaza's Beit Lahiya, according to local authorities. The deceased has been identified as Mohanad Saada, who was part of a municipal maintenance team returning from repairing a damaged water well. While heavy air raids had recently decreased following diplomatic talks, Israeli forces have continued ground shelling and drone attacks, raising concerns about the fragile situation in Gaza.

Recent Escalation of Violence

The airstrike occurred despite a period of reduced heavy bombardment following international negotiations. Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defence agency, stated that while airstrikes had largely ceased for over a week, Wednesday marked a resumption of aerial attacks by Israeli forces. Al Jazeera journalists reported at least two additional Israeli attacks on Wednesday, including a drone strike in Khan Younis and artillery shelling near the Bureij refugee camp.

Civilian Impact

The attack in Khan Younis critically wounded a 13-year-old boy and injured his father. The father described being struck while walking with his son after purchasing food, finding him lying on the ground with shrapnel wounds to his head and leg. In Beit Lahiya, Saada’s team had been working to repair infrastructure damaged in previous military operations, highlighting the impact of ongoing conflict on essential services.

Rejection of US Peace Plan

The attacks came days after Israel formally rejected a 15-point peace plan proposed by United States President Donald Trump. The plan called for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the document on Sunday. Hamas had endorsed the proposal.

Ongoing Casualties

Since a US-backed “ceasefire” took effect in October, Israeli attacks have resulted in over 1,250 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, with the majority being civilians. The total number of Palestinians killed since Israel launched its war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, has reached at least 73,388, with an additional 174,259 wounded.

The situation in Gaza remains highly volatile as Israeli forces continue operations despite international efforts to de-escalate the conflict and achieve a lasting peace.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.