Reports from Gaza allege a significant number of ceasefire violations by Israeli forces since a truce was established on October 10th. The Gaza Government Media Office claims that nearly 500 violations have occurred within 44 days, leading to the deaths of 342 Palestinians, with a high proportion being children, women, and the elderly. This ongoing situation raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the ceasefire.
Despite the agreement, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly continued, with a recent Saturday witnessing 27 alleged violations, resulting in 24 deaths and 87 injuries. The Gaza media office has strongly condemned these actions, labeling them “serious and systematic” and a clear violation of international humanitarian law. They hold Israel fully accountable for the escalating humanitarian crisis.
In a recent escalation, Israeli air attacks on Saturday killed at least 24 Palestinians, including children. This event is described by local officials as a renewed breach of the six-week-old ceasefire. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office stated that these strikes were a retaliatory measure against an alleged Hamas infiltration near the “yellow line.” Israel asserted that the operation resulted in the elimination of five senior Hamas figures.
Hamas has challenged Israel’s account of events, demanding proof of the alleged attack. A senior Hamas official has called upon the United States and other mediators to pressure Israel into respecting the ceasefire terms. The official accused Israel of fabricating pretexts to resume a “war of extermination” and reiterated Hamas’s commitment to the truce.
Locals describe the current ceasefire as purely symbolic, with persistent Israeli airstrikes causing immense distress and a lack of safety. Reports from northern Gaza indicate that dozens of families are under siege as Israeli forces have reportedly advanced beyond the ceasefire’s designated “yellow line.” Access to essential aid and medical supplies remains severely limited, contrary to the agreement’s stipulations.
Furthermore, Gaza’s Forensic Evidence Department has reported disturbing findings concerning bodies returned by Israel under the deal. Out of 330 returned bodies, many reportedly show signs of torture, mutilation, and execution. The identification process is extremely challenging due to inadequate laboratory facilities and equipment, with only 90 bodies positively identified. An appeal has been made to international bodies for assistance in identifying the remaining remains.