Israeli strikes pounded multiple areas of Gaza on Wednesday, killing at least 24 Palestinians, including two infants, amid growing doubts over the durability of a ceasefire that took effect on October 10. Health officials said the dead included five children, seven women, and an on-duty paramedic, with dozens more wounded.
In northern Gaza’s Tuffah neighbourhood, an early morning strike killed 11 members of the same family, including a 10-day-old baby and a five-month-old infant. Additional strikes hit Khan Younis, the Al-Shati refugee camp, and the Muwasi area, where a paramedic was killed while working at a field hospital.
Israel said it killed three militant leaders from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, describing the attacks as responses to ceasefire violations and gunfire that seriously wounded one of its soldiers. Israeli officials said efforts were made to minimise civilian harm, while expressing regret over civilian casualties.
Since the ceasefire began, Gaza health officials say 556 Palestinians—about half women and children—have been killed, while Israel reports four soldiers killed. Arab and Muslim nations, including mediators Egypt and Qatar, have condemned what they describe as Israel’s repeated violations of the truce.
Although some ceasefire measures have progressed, including hostage and prisoner exchanges and increased humanitarian aid, major elements such as Gaza’s reconstruction, Hamas’ disarmament, and the deployment of an international security force remain stalled.
