More than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed since the Israel-Hamas war began, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which reported Saturday that the death toll continues to rise even after the most recent ceasefire took effect. The ministry said two young brothers, aged 8 and 11, were among the latest casualties after a drone strike near a school sheltering displaced families in Beni Suhaila, in southern Gaza. Nasser Hospital staff confirmed their deaths. Israel, however, stated that its forces killed individuals who crossed into an Israeli-controlled area and engaged in “suspicious activities,” without referring to children. The military also reported killing another person in a separate incident.
Since the Oct. 10 ceasefire, at least 352 Palestinians have been killed across Gaza due to ongoing strikes, which Israel says are responses to truce violations. Both Israel and Hamas have continued to accuse each other of breaking the agreement. Hamas has urged international mediators to intervene to halt what it alleges are repeated Israeli ceasefire breaches.
The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led fighters attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Most hostages or their remains have since been returned through negotiated agreements, though two bodies—one Israeli and one Thai citizen—are still pending return. Demonstrations were once again held in Tel Aviv Saturday night demanding their repatriation.
Meanwhile, discussions are underway over Washington’s proposed long-term plan for postwar Gaza. The blueprint authorises an international stabilisation force, establishes a transitional governing authority under the oversight of U.S. President Donald Trump, and suggests a possible political path toward eventual Palestinian statehood. Talks remain at an early stage.
Beyond Gaza, violence has widened across the region. Syrian officials reported that Israeli forces raided a Syrian village Friday, opening fire when confronted by residents and killing at least 13 people. Israel said the operation targeted militants preparing attacks and that the suspects had opened fire, injuring six soldiers. Strikes in Lebanon have also intensified, with Israel claiming to hit Hezbollah positions to prevent the group from rearming. Hezbollah issued a public message invoking Pope Leo XIV—who is currently on his first foreign visit—urging him to speak against Israel’s actions.
In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, tensions continue to escalate. Palestinians have accused Israeli soldiers of executing two men after televised footage appeared to show troops shooting them following their surrender. The Israeli military said the incident is under investigation. Settler violence also persists, with the Palestinian Red Crescent reporting 10 people injured Saturday during attacks by Israeli settlers near Bethlehem.
Across all fronts, the humanitarian and political fallout of the prolonged conflict continues to deepen, even during what is officially termed a ceasefire.
