GAZA — The number of Palestinians reported killed in the Gaza Strip has risen sharply, according to local health authorities, who said Israeli military operations have continued despite a ceasefire announced earlier this month.
Gaza’s Health Ministry said at least 586 Palestinians had been killed and 1,558 wounded since Oct. 10, when a ceasefire was declared. The ministry also updated its overall casualty figures from the conflict that began in October 2023, reporting a total of 72,037 people killed and 171,666 injured. The figures could not be independently verified, and Israeli officials have repeatedly questioned casualty data issued by authorities in the enclave.
The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the latest numbers. Israel has said its operations target armed groups and military infrastructure, while Palestinian officials and humanitarian organisations have reported high civilian casualties throughout the conflict.
The renewed violence comes amid fragile efforts by international mediators to sustain a halt in fighting after months of intense hostilities. Diplomatic initiatives led by regional and Western governments have sought to stabilise the situation, but repeated exchanges of fire and accusations of violations have raised doubts about the durability of the ceasefire.
Residents in several parts of Gaza have reported continued air strikes and artillery fire in recent days, according to local witnesses and aid workers. Humanitarian agencies say medical facilities remain under severe strain as hospitals treat large numbers of wounded patients while facing shortages of fuel, medicines and medical supplies.
The conflict began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched attacks in southern Israel that Israeli authorities say killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of more than 200 hostages. Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza aimed at dismantling Hamas, which it designates as a terrorist organisation along with the United States and European Union.
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Since then, the fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and caused extensive damage to infrastructure across the enclave. United Nations agencies estimate that much of Gaza’s housing stock has been damaged or destroyed, complicating efforts to deliver humanitarian aid and shelter civilians.
Health officials in Gaza say the casualty figures include a significant number of women and children, though a detailed breakdown was not provided in the latest update. International organisations have warned that verifying casualty data in real time is difficult due to restricted access and ongoing hostilities.
Israel has maintained that it takes steps to minimise civilian harm, including issuing evacuation warnings and targeting what it describes as militant infrastructure embedded in civilian areas. Palestinian officials and rights groups have accused Israeli forces of using disproportionate force, allegations that Israel rejects.
The humanitarian situation has continued to deteriorate as aid deliveries struggle to keep pace with growing needs. The United Nations has called for sustained access to allow food, water and medical assistance to reach civilians, warning that shortages could worsen if fighting intensifies.
Diplomatic efforts to extend the ceasefire have been complicated by disagreements over hostage releases, prisoner exchanges and security guarantees. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been engaged in negotiations aimed at preventing a full return to large-scale fighting, though officials have acknowledged that progress has been uneven.
International reactions to the conflict remain sharply divided. Some governments have emphasised Israel’s right to defend itself following the October 2023 attacks, while others have called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and increased humanitarian protections for civilians in Gaza.
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Legal and political debates surrounding the war have also intensified. South Africa and several other countries have brought cases before international courts alleging violations of international law, while Israel has dismissed accusations of wrongdoing and says its military actions comply with legal obligations.
Human rights organisations have urged all parties to protect civilians and ensure that aid workers can operate safely. Aid agencies say the continued violence since the ceasefire announcement has heightened risks for humanitarian staff and further complicated relief operations.
As the death toll climbs, many residents of Gaza remain displaced, living in temporary shelters or overcrowded facilities. Access to clean water and electricity remains limited in many areas, according to humanitarian groups, which warn that long-term reconstruction will require substantial international support once conditions allow.
Officials in Gaza have said they will continue to update casualty figures as information becomes available. Israeli authorities have not released a comprehensive response to the latest data, and it remains unclear whether negotiations will lead to a renewed ceasefire framework or additional measures to reduce hostilities in the coming days.