Israeli forces killed at least nine Palestinians in Gaza during strikes on Saturday, according to the Gaza health ministry, which represents the latest in a series of Israeli attacks on the enclave despite a truce with Hamas that is about two months old.

The military has been conducting frequent strikes in Gaza since the cease-fire began in mid-January. Israel blames militancy for explosive devices, drones, and the proximity to where Israeli troops are stationed.

Hamas claims the attacks have resulted in the death of more than 150 people since the truce, with some being civilians, and accuses Israel of violating the agreement with continuous military operations.

The Israeli military confirmed striking two militants with a drone and then hitting a vehicle carrying others who had come to get the drone operation equipment on Saturday. No details were provided on how they posed a threat.

Ismail Thawabteh, director-general of Hamas’ government media office in Gaza, stated that the nine Palestinians killed in the strikes were charity workers. The identities and statuses of the deceased could not be confirmed.

The Israeli military stated earlier on Saturday that it struck three militants in central Gaza who were laying explosive devices near Israeli soldiers. The Gaza health ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

The continuous Israeli strikes serve as a reminder that despite reaching an agreement to pause most fighting in Gaza, a long-term truce remains elusive. In Lebanon, Israel is carrying out a similar campaign against Hezbollah during a U.S.-mediated truce.

The war in Gaza began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians. Around 250 others were taken to Gaza as hostages.

The Israeli military’s response has led to the death of over 48,000 people, including children according to the Gaza health ministry. The Israeli military claims to have “eliminated” nearly 20,000 Hamas operatives.

Israeli leaders insist that they will not cease the war against Hamas until their rule in Gaza is toppled and the territory no longer poses a threat. Hamas is open to relinquishing civilian control of Gaza but refuses to disband its armed fighters.

Israel and Hamas were supposed to discuss the next phase of the cease-fire, which includes a permanent end to the war, the release of the remaining hostages, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Given the disagreements between both parties, mediators such as the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have made little progress.

Israeli forces continue to be stationed in a buffer zone inside Gaza and along the Philadelphi Corridor, which borders Egypt. Israel was supposed to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor by mid-March as per the cease-fire terms.

Reporting contributions by Iyad Abuheweila and Lia Lapidot.