More than 1,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza since a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel was reached in October, raising fresh concerns over the fragility of the truce and the worsening humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, 1,005 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire deal was signed. While the agreement was intended to halt large-scale fighting, sporadic violence has continued across the territory.
Fikr Shalltoot, Gaza director at Medical Aid for Palestinians, described the situation as deeply tragic, saying many residents were led to believe the worst had ended.
“We mourn as Gaza reaches yet another tragic milestone. Thousands more people who were told the worst was over are still burying their loved ones,” she said.
The ceasefire framework has yet to advance into its second phase, which is expected to include the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the disarmament of Hamas. However, no consensus has been reached on implementation. Reports indicate that Israel has further expanded its presence in Gaza and now controls about 64 percent of the territory, compared to 53 percent outlined in the original agreement.
Humanitarian agencies have also raised alarm over continued displacement. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said families in parts of eastern Gaza City were recently forced to flee following the placement of yellow boundary markers indicating an expanded military zone.
Hamas political bureau member Husam Badran has stated that the group will not surrender its weapons at this stage, insisting that discussions on its military arsenal will only take place within broader Palestinian negotiations.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. OCHA reports that only 20 of Gaza’s 37 hospitals are partially functional, with none operating at full capacity.
Medical Aid for Palestinians warned that aid restrictions and continued insecurity are worsening conditions for civilians who remain trapped in the enclave.
Since the beginning of the war in October 2023, more than 73,000 people have reportedly been killed, with large parts of Gaza reduced to rubble and an estimated 1.9 million people displaced.