More than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect in January, according to health officials, highlighting the continued violence despite efforts to end the war.
Ceasefire Violations and Continued Strikes
Israeli operations in the Gaza Strip have killed 1,005 Palestinians in the eight months since a ceasefire was reached between Israel and the militant group Hamas, the Gaza Health Ministry said Wednesday. The enclave has seen near-daily strikes, as well as shelling and gunfire along the boundary separating Israeli and Palestinian-controlled areas. The latest deaths were recorded after a series of Israeli drone strikes over several days killed multiple people in central Gaza and Gaza City.
Background of the Conflict
The ceasefire, agreed in January after months of mediation efforts, was intended to end more than a year of fighting that began when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking hundreds hostage. Israeli authorities say hostages taken during the October 7 attack remain in Gaza. Securing the release of those still held has been a key sticking point in ceasefire negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States.
Humanitarian Crisis
While the agreement significantly reduced large-scale military operations, violence has continued throughout Gaza. Israeli forces have carried out regular strikes that they say target Hamas operatives and military infrastructure, while Palestinian officials and aid groups have reported ongoing civilian casualties. The war has devastated much of the territory, displacing most of Gaza's population and damaging homes, hospitals, schools and other critical infrastructure. International aid agencies have repeatedly warned of worsening humanitarian conditions, with many residents facing shortages of food, clean water and medical supplies.
Stalled Negotiations
Both the Israeli military and Hamas accuse one another of violating the truce. Efforts to secure a more permanent ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages have continued intermittently, but negotiations have repeatedly stalled. Earlier this week, the death toll from the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza surpassed 73,000, according to the ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count but is staffed by medical professionals and maintains detailed records that are generally regarded as reliable by the United Nations and international organisations.
