At least 25 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli air strikes across various parts of the Gaza Strip despite an ongoing ceasefire, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. The attacks, which took place on Wednesday, also left at least 77 people injured in areas including Gaza City and Khan Younis.
A Reuters report said that since the US-backed ceasefire came into effect around five and a half weeks ago, at least 305 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. The ceasefire was intended to reduce hostilities, allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians and ease pressure on Gaza’s already fragile infrastructure. However, Palestinian officials say violence has continued unabated.
According to Palestinian health authorities, nearly half of the reported deaths occurred in a single day last week, when Israeli forces launched what was described as a large-scale retaliatory assault. During the same period, Israel confirmed that three of its soldiers were killed in separate incidents.
Middle East Monitor reported that Israel intensified its attacks on Gaza from early Wednesday morning, calling the strikes a clear violation of the ongoing ceasefire. Local residents said densely populated neighbourhoods were hit, causing further civilian casualties and damage to homes and infrastructure.
In a statement, Israel said the strikes were carried out in response to an attack on its troops in Khan Younis. Palestinian officials, however, argue that targeting civilian areas violates international humanitarian law and undermines the terms of the ceasefire.
The continued violence has worsened Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Hospitals remain overwhelmed, struggling with shortages of medical supplies, fuel and staff as casualties mount. Aid agencies warn that the health system is nearing collapse.
While the international community has repeatedly urged all parties to uphold the ceasefire and protect civilians, the persistence of deadly strikes has raised fresh concerns about the sustainability of the truce and the prospects for long-term stability in the region.
GLIVE/TSN