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Al Jazeera reported that an Israeli drone targeted children on their way to check their destroyed homes in the northern Gaza Strip, killing one child. Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that soldiers opened fire and killed Muhand Jamal al-Najjar, 20, near the Bani Suheila roundabout east of Khan Younis. Gaza hospital sources told Al Jazeera that Israeli fire also wounded three Palestinians in al-Mughraqa in the central Strip and the al-Mawasi area of Rafah to the south.
The deaths are part of a larger toll since the ceasefire took effect in mid-October, with the Palestinian Ministry of Health reporting more than 600 Palestinians killed and more than 1,600 wounded. A separate Reuters report from April placed the figure at over 750 killed, reflecting the continued violence undermining the U.S.-brokered agreement. Both sides have blamed each other for the breaches that have persisted despite the truce.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, only 260 patients have been allowed to seek medical care via the Rafah crossing since its partial reopening, out of 18,500 in urgent need. The agency said this limited access has come as Israel maintains its blockade on Palestinians looking to exit Gaza for treatment. This has compounded the difficulties for Gaza’s health system already dealing with the aftermath of prolonged conflict.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, correspondents on the ground noted the child was killed in an area where civilians were attempting to return to damaged properties. The 20-year-old’s death occurred during an incident at a roundabout frequently used for movement in the southern city. The Israeli military has not issued comments on these specific cases, according to available reports.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health has highlighted the impact on civilians seeking routine and emergency medical services. Data from the health ministry shows a rising number of casualties from such fire incidents in recent months. International calls for full reopening of crossings have gone unheeded amid the security concerns raised by Israel.
A Reuters assessment of post-ceasefire developments indicated that incidents involving Israeli fire have continued across different regions of the Strip. Medical teams have struggled to respond effectively amid the security constraints and access limitations. Health officials continue to track the cumulative casualty figures that have mounted since the agreement was signed.
