At least 116 Palestinians killed by Israeli attacks since truce

Israeli forces have killed at least 116 Palestinians since the Gaza ceasefire came into effect on 19 January, violating the terms of the deal, the Gaza Health Ministry revealed in a statement.

At least four Palestinians were killed on Sunday in a series of attacks throughout the Gaza Strip.

Two civilians were killed by a drone strike in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, a woman was also killed by a strike south of the enclave in Khan Younis and one more was killed by a sniper in Rafah.

The Israeli army claimed it was attacking alleged suspected targets operating near its forces. Several Palestinians were also wounded in the strikes. 

Phase one of the Gaza ceasefire deal stated there must be a cessation of hostilities while Israeli captives and Palestinians are exchanged and aid enters the enclave.

However, Israel is accused of repeatedly violating the terms of the truce deal by continuing its hostilities, having now halted vital humanitarian aid from entering the enclave, a violation of international law.

Israel has not followed through with plans to implement phase two of the deal, despite phase one of the deal concluding after 50 days of the deal being agreed. Instead, Israel announced it would adopt a US-backed proposal to extend phase one throughout the holy month of Ramadan and Passover.

Hamas has slammed the proposal and called on Israel to abide by the initial terms of the truce and start negotiations for moving onto the next step, which includes Israel entirely withdrawing from Gaza, Hamas releasing all the remaining captives and bodies, in return for more Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons.

The second phase should lead to a permanent end to the way, paving the way for post-war Gaza, which includes rebuilding and governing.

Israel’s war has killed at least 61,709 Palestinian civilians, injuring a further 111,803 since 7 October 2023, according to Gaza’s government media office.