The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has exceeded 70,000 according to the territory's health ministry, as violence continues despite an agreed ceasefire. The grim milestone was announced on Saturday amid reports of fresh casualties, including two Palestinian children killed in southern Gaza.
Ceasefire Violations and Rising Casualties
Gaza's health ministry, which operates under the Hamas-run government, confirmed the death toll has now reached 70,100 Palestinians since the conflict began. The department, staffed by medical professionals and considered reliable by international observers, continues to maintain detailed records of casualties.
The latest casualties include two brothers, aged 8 and 11, who died when an Israeli drone struck near a school sheltering displaced people in Beni Suheila town. Staff at Nasser hospital, where the children's bodies were received, reported the incident occurred close to the educational facility.
Israel's military provided a different account, stating they killed two individuals who crossed into an Israeli-controlled area, conducted "suspicious activities" and approached troops. The military statement made no mention of children being involved in the incident.
Ongoing Conflict Despite Truce Agreement
The ceasefire that took effect on 10 October has failed to completely halt the violence, with at least 352 Palestinians killed across the territory since the truce began according to Gaza's health ministry. The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant casualties in its reporting.
Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the ceasefire terms. Israel maintains its strikes target militants who breach the truce agreement, while Hamas has urged mediators to pressure Israel to stop what it describes as ceasefire violations in Gaza.
The conflict originated with the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people died and 250 were taken hostage. Nearly all hostages or their remains have since been returned through various ceasefire agreements and other deals.
Regional Escalation and International Response
The violence has extended beyond Gaza's borders, with recent developments across the region. Syrian officials reported that Israeli forces raided a Syrian village on Friday, killing at least 13 people when confronted by residents. Israel stated the operation aimed to apprehend suspects from a militant group planning attacks in Israel.
In Lebanon, Israel has escalated strikes targeting Hezbollah sites, alleging the militant group is attempting to rearm. This continues despite a ceasefire that ended the 14-month war between the two sides a year ago.
The international community continues to seek solutions for Gaza's future. A US blueprint outlines plans for the devastated territory, authorising an international stabilisation force for security and approving a transitional authority overseen by President Donald Trump. The plan envisions a potential path to an independent Palestinian state.
In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, tensions remain high with Palestinians accusing Israeli soldiers of executing two men on Thursday. Footage aired by Arab television stations appeared to show troops shooting the men after they surrendered. The Israeli military confirmed it is investigating the incident.
