Gaza post-‘ceasefire’ deaths hit 983 as Israeli attack targets refugee camp

Israeli forces reportedly carried out another deadly attack in central Gaza on Saturday, adding to a growing number of casualties recorded since the ceasefire agreement that came into effect months ago. Palestinian media reported that an Israeli drone targeted the Bureij refugee camp in the central part of the enclave, killing one person and injuring two others.

According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, the strike occurred inside the camp and emergency crews rushed to the scene following the attack. The Palestinian Information Center later identified the victim as Muawiya al-Aydi, a local municipality worker. Images circulating on Palestinian media showed residents gathering near the area following the strike.

A separate incident was also reported in Gaza City. Wafa said another Israeli attack wounded a Palestinian who had been attending a gathering in the Tuffah neighbourhood. Details regarding the severity of the injuries were not immediately available.

Although a ceasefire has technically remained in effect since October, hostilities have not completely stopped. Israeli military activity has continued across different parts of the Gaza Strip, with large sections of the territory remaining under Israeli control. Palestinian groups have repeatedly accused Israel of violating the terms of the agreement.

Casualties continue to mount despite the ceasefire

According to figures released by Gaza's Health Ministry, at least two Palestinians were killed and 11 others were wounded in Israeli attacks carried out during the previous 48 hours.

The ministry said that the cumulative number of Palestinians killed since the ceasefire came into force has reached 983, while another 3,122 people have been injured.

The figures underscore the continuing instability inside the territory despite international efforts aimed at preserving the truce and advancing negotiations for a broader settlement.

Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly expressed concerns over the deteriorating conditions faced by civilians inside Gaza. Damage to infrastructure, shortages of medical supplies and limited access to essential services have complicated recovery efforts following months of conflict.

International mediators have continued discussions aimed at preserving the ceasefire and preventing a return to large-scale fighting. However, recurring military incidents have raised concerns over the durability of the agreement.

Hamas accuses Israel of repeated violations

Hamas officials have accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement through ongoing attacks and changes to the so-called Yellow Line, which separates Israeli-controlled areas from the rest of Gaza.

Hazem Qassem, a spokesman for Hamas, said Israeli actions reflected an unwillingness to fully implement the terms of the agreement. He argued that continued military operations threatened ongoing diplomatic efforts and risked undermining negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting settlement.

In remarks released on Friday, Qassem said the escalation was intended to disrupt mediation efforts and was being driven by political and electoral considerations.

Israeli authorities have maintained that military operations are conducted in response to security concerns and threats originating from Gaza. The differing narratives surrounding the conflict have continued to complicate efforts to achieve a sustainable resolution.

International actors, including regional mediators, have repeatedly urged both sides to respect the terms of the ceasefire and avoid actions that could lead to renewed escalation.

Raids and violence continue in the occupied West Bank

Israeli military operations also continued in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, where troops conducted raids in several Palestinian communities.

According to Wafa, Israeli forces used stun grenades and tear gas during separate incidents near Bethlehem. One operation took place inside the Dheisheh refugee camp, while another occurred near the Solomon's Pools reservoirs after troops reportedly blocked access to the area.

Several Palestinians suffered injuries during the confrontations. Medical teams and residents attempted to assist those affected by tear gas inhalation and the use of crowd-control measures.

Earlier in the day, Israeli forces entered the towns of Tuqu, Immatain, Jit and Beita. Clashes were reported in Beita as residents confronted the military presence.

Since the outbreak of the war triggered by the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, Israeli operations in the occupied West Bank have intensified, becoming an almost daily occurrence in many Palestinian communities.

Disabled Palestinian injured and settler attacks reported

In another incident, a disabled Palestinian man was shot and injured in the town of Duma near Hebron.

Palestinian media outlets reported that Israeli forces opened fire on the man. Israeli media, however, cited police sources saying that an Israeli settler was responsible for the shooting. According to police statements, the settler claimed to have felt threatened because the man was carrying a rock.

Wafa also reported additional incidents involving Israeli settlers near Bethlehem. Palestinian electrical workers were allegedly assaulted and water pipes were stolen during separate attacks.

Elsewhere, settlers reportedly blocked a road connecting the towns of Arraba and Ya'bad, disrupting movement between the two communities. In the town of Jit, farmland and several vehicles were set on fire, causing damage to agricultural property.

Human rights groups have frequently documented an increase in settler-related violence across parts of the occupied West Bank, while Palestinian residents have voiced concerns over growing insecurity and damage to property.

The continued violence in both Gaza and the West Bank has added to fears that tensions could further intensify, even as diplomatic efforts aimed at preserving the ceasefire remain ongoing.