At least 23 Palestinians were killed in attacks across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, marking one of the deadliest days since a ceasefire came into effect in October, according to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera.
Health officials said several children were among those killed, including an 11-year-old girl. The deaths were reported from multiple locations across the enclave, intensifying concerns over the fragile ceasefire.
Heavy strikes reported across Gaza
At least 14 people were killed in shelling of the Tuffah and Zeitoun neighbourhoods of Gaza City. Four others died after tents sheltering displaced families were hit in the Qizan Abu Rashwan area south of Khan Younis.
Two additional fatalities were reported following air attacks on the al-Mawasi coastal tent camp. The Palestine Red Crescent Society confirmed that one of those killed was a first responder.
Witnesses and journalists reported increased drone activity and strikes on residential areas, adding to fears among civilians who say there has been little relief despite the ceasefire.
Israeli military cites security incident
Israel’s military said its operations in northern Gaza followed an incident in which a reserve officer was seriously injured during what it described as routine operational activity near a military-controlled boundary.
Gaza’s health ministry said that since the ceasefire began nearly four months ago, more than 520 Palestinians have been killed. Overall, the death toll since October 7, 2023, has crossed 71,800, according to local authorities.
Medical evacuations face uncertainty
Amid the escalation, confusion surrounded medical evacuations through the Rafah crossing. Evacuations were briefly cancelled before later being cleared to proceed, with humanitarian agencies citing coordination delays.
Health officials said over 18,000 patients in Gaza are awaiting medical evacuation, including hundreds in critical condition.
The latest violence has renewed international concern over civilian safety, humanitarian access and the durability of the ceasefire, with aid groups urging urgent protection for non-combatants.