Several Palestinians have reportedly been killed over two days in the Gaza Strip, despite a months-long ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as violence also continues in the West Bank.
According to local officials, two brothers were killed in a drone strike in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza. Witnesses said the area was outside zones under Israeli control as defined by the ceasefire. Later the same day, a nine-year-old boy was reportedly shot in Gaza City, while another man was killed near Khan Younis.
Additional injuries were reported when Israeli forces allegedly fired toward homes and tents sheltering displaced civilians near Maghazi refugee camp. On the following day, more fatalities were reported, including two brothers who were shot while transporting water in eastern Gaza City. A separate drone strike reportedly hit a water desalination facility in the same area, causing further casualties.
Authorities in Gaza claim that Israel has committed thousands of ceasefire violations since the agreement began in October, including strikes, arrests, and restrictions affecting civilians. Israel has previously maintained that military actions may continue in response to security threats.
The broader conflict has resulted in heavy casualties. Gaza health authorities report tens of thousands of deaths since October 2023, including hundreds since the ceasefire took effect. Among those killed in recent weeks was a journalist working with Al Jazeera, highlighting the continued risks faced by civilians and media workers.
The humanitarian toll remains severe. UN Women has reported that women and girls have been disproportionately affected, with large numbers killed during the conflict period. The agency has expressed concern that violence has persisted despite the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, there have been reports of escalating tensions, including settler-related violence and Israeli military raids. Incidents include arson attacks on Palestinian property in areas near Hebron, as well as arrests and house raids in towns north of Jerusalem and in Nablus.
Human rights organizations report that thousands of Palestinians remain in Israeli detention, including individuals held under administrative detention, which allows imprisonment without formal charges for renewable periods.
United Nations experts have raised concerns that ongoing displacement and violence in the West Bank could constitute serious violations of international law. They warn that continued instability and lack of accountability risk worsening humanitarian conditions.
Despite the existence of a ceasefire framework, the continued reports of strikes and clashes underscore how fragile the situation remains, with civilians continuing to bear the brunt of the conflict.
