Palestinian death toll surpasses 900 during Gaza ceasefire

Monday 25 May 2026 - 13:05

By: Dakir Madiha

Palestinian death toll surpasses 900 during Gaza ceasefire

An Israeli airstrike early Sunday hit a residential building in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, killing a father, mother and their young child, according to hospital officials and Palestinian media reports. The attack marked another deadly incident during a ceasefire period that has continued to see repeated violence despite an agreement brokered in October 2025.

Medical staff at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah confirmed receiving the bodies of Ibrahim Abu Mallouh, his wife Alaa and their son following the strike. Several other civilians were injured in the attack. Reports differed on the age of the child, though multiple sources confirmed he was an infant. Israeli forces did not immediately comment on the civilian casualties linked to the strike.

The Gaza Health Ministry said the number of Palestinians killed since the ceasefire began on 10 October 2025 has reached 904, with more than 2,700 others wounded. According to local officials, six Palestinians were killed in the 24 hours before the latest update. The Israeli military stated that recent operations targeted Hamas weapons storage facilities in central Gaza, including sites allegedly containing anti-tank missiles and RPG launchers.

The ceasefire was introduced as part of a broader peace framework aimed at reducing hostilities, increasing humanitarian aid access and opening negotiations over the future of Gaza and Hamas disarmament. Despite the agreement, airstrikes and military operations have continued throughout the truce period, raising concerns over the durability of the arrangement and the humanitarian impact on civilians.

Public frustration inside Gaza has also intensified. Displaced Palestinians staged demonstrations in central Gaza demanding the reopening of crossings and unrestricted humanitarian aid deliveries as food shortages worsen. Negotiations over the next phase of the ceasefire remain stalled, largely because of disagreements surrounding Hamas weapons and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory.

International mediators have warned that the ceasefire remains fragile and that continued deadlock could lead to renewed large-scale fighting. Diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilising the agreement and advancing reconstruction plans have slowed as both sides maintain conflicting conditions for a long-term settlement.