Despite a ceasefire agreement intended to halt hostilities in Gaza, Israel has reportedly breached the truce nearly 500 times in the past six weeks. Gaza’s media office revealed that, over the last 44 days, Israeli attacks have claimed at least 342 civilian lives, the majority of victims being women, children, and elderly residents. These repeated violations have intensified the humanitarian crisis and disrupted the delivery of urgent medical and humanitarian aid.
According to Gaza authorities, the scale and frequency of these violations demonstrate “systematic and deliberate” attempts by Israel to undermine the ceasefire. On one day alone, 27 separate incidents were recorded, resulting in 24 deaths and 87 injuries. The media office emphasised that Israel must bear responsibility for all consequences arising from these breaches, particularly the obstruction of essential supplies and medical equipment.
Israel maintains that its military operations are in response to attacks on its forces within Gaza’s “yellow line,” claiming that five senior Hamas fighters were neutralised in recent strikes. Hamas, however, called on Israel to publicly reveal the fighters’ identities and accused the Israeli government of escalating conflict under false pretences.
Izzat al-Rishaq, a senior Hamas political figure, condemned Israel for deliberately violating the ceasefire on a daily basis and for fostering a climate of destruction. He also dismissed claims that Hamas had withdrawn from the agreement. Amid mounting tension, a Hamas delegation travelled to Cairo on Sunday to meet with mediators and discuss Israel’s repeated violations, highlighting the urgent need for enforcement of the truce.
The ceasefire was brokered on 10 October through US mediation, with Qatar and Egypt also facilitating negotiations. Analysts warn that continued breaches risk undermining the fragile peace and could exacerbate Gaza’s already dire humanitarian situation.