Israel Continues Deadly Attacks in Gaza Despite Ceasefire, Seven Killed in Fresh Strikes

Israeli military strikes and tank shelling across the Gaza Strip have continued despite the fragile October ceasefire, with at least four Palestinians, including a 13 year old girl, killed on Sunday, followed by another deadly airstrike on Monday that killed three more people, including an eight year old child, according to Palestinian health officials.

The first strike on Sunday targeted a group of people in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza, killing two and injuring another, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said. A separate strike in southern Gaza killed a man, while 13 year old Eileen al Farra died after being struck by shrapnel from Israeli tank shelling, according to Nasser Hospital . Residents also reported heavy tank shelling and quadcopter drones operating across several parts of the enclave.

On Monday, an Israeli airstrike hit a tent sheltering displaced families in Deir al Balah , killing three Palestinians, including an eight year old child, and injuring another man. The Israeli military said the strike targeted Zaher Abu Salem , whom it identified as a member of Islamic Jihad allegedly involved in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Palestinian officials said the victims were civilians sheltering in the area.

The Israeli military earlier said one of Sunday's strikes targeted a "Hamas terrorist" but did not immediately comment on the remaining attacks. Israel maintains that it continues military operations against Hamas and other militant groups in response to security threats and alleged ceasefire violations.

According to Gaza's Health Ministry, more than 1,045 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire took effect in October, while the overall death toll from the war has exceeded 73,058 . The ministry, whose casualty records are regarded as generally reliable by United Nations agencies and independent experts, says women and children account for roughly half of those killed. Israel says five soldiers have been killed since the ceasefire began. The conflict started after the Hamas led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed and 251 hostages were taken, triggering Israel's military campaign in Gaza.