Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that Israeli forces shot dead three civilians, while the military said it fired “warning shots” and hit Palestinians who had approached its troops in the territory, AFP reports.

Mahmud Bassal, spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defence agency, said there were “three martyrs and several injured as a result of Israeli occupation forces opening fire on civilians in the eastern areas of Gaza City”.

He urged residents to avoid the eastern areas and Israeli military positions, emphasising the importance of following official directives.

The Israeli military acknowledged that its forces fired at individuals who approached their positions, saying, “troops advanced military vehicles and fired warning shots toward the suspects”.

It added that “several hits were identified after the shots were fired, and those approaching the barrier retreated”.

The military said it was committed to defending Israeli citizens and enforcing the ceasefire, warning Gazans to avoid approaching troops in the area.