Israeli attacks kill at least five Palestinians in Gaza despite ‘ceasefire’
At least five Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza on Thursday, continuing violations of an October ceasefire agreement. Since the truce began, over 1,100 Palestinians have been killed and humanitarian aid restrictions remain in place, according to Palestinian health officials and reports.
Israeli military operations in Gaza continued on Thursday with multiple strikes reported across the territory. Palestinian health authorities documented aerial and artillery attacks in several locations, including an airstrike near Tuffah in Gaza City that resulted in two deaths. Additional casualties occurred when a tent settlement for displaced residents was bombed in western Gaza City, killing one person and wounding several others. Tank fire in eastern Gaza City claimed another life, while a vehicle attack in Khan Younis in the south resulted in a fifth death.
These incidents represent ongoing breaches of the October agreement brokered with US backing between Israel and Hamas. Since the ceasefire took effect, implementation has stalled significantly, with Israeli military operations continuing on a near-daily basis. Palestinian officials report that more than 1,100 people have been killed during the supposed truce period. Additionally, restrictions on humanitarian aid entering the enclave persist, compounding the humanitarian situation in violation of ceasefire terms.
Local residents express deep skepticism about the ceasefire's viability. Jibril Khattab, who lost a relative during the truce period, characterized the agreement as an "illusion," stating that Gaza's population has not experienced a single day of genuine cessation of hostilities.
Political factors in Israel may be influencing military operations. With elections scheduled for October 27, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces potential loss of power. Analysts suggest concerns exist that the 76-year-old leader may intensify Gaza operations to strengthen his electoral position. Netanyahu's government has also blocked reconstruction efforts in Gaza despite ceasefire provisions.
The broader conflict has damaged Israel's international standing, with allegations of war crimes in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran accumulating. Despite extensive military operations that have killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, Netanyahu has not achieved his stated objective of destroying Hamas. The conflict's expansion to include Iran, reportedly with US involvement, has created economic repercussions globally and exposed divisions between Washington and Tel Aviv.
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