Gaza death toll climbs past 1,500 since truce began
Two strikes killed eight people, including five police officers, as negotiations on disarmament and troop withdrawal stall.
By Amelia Foster ·
Palestinian health officials report that at least 1,500 people have died in Israeli attacks in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect a year ago. The count includes eight individuals killed in two separate strikes on Sunday, according to medics and the Hamas-run interior ministry.
Medics stated that three people were killed in an airstrike in Gaza City. In a second incident, the interior ministry reported that five police officers died when an Israeli strike hit western Khan Younis in the south of the enclave. The Israeli military confirmed it targeted several militants in Khan Younis but did not provide further details. It did not immediately comment on the strike in Gaza City.
Israel has increased its attacks on Hamas in recent weeks, citing the group's efforts to rearm and launch operations that violate the one-year-old truce. Hamas denies it is rebuilding its arsenal or preparing attacks, arguing that Israel is undermining the peace deal.
The US-brokered ceasefire agreement calls for the eventual reconstruction of the territory. Progress has stalled because negotiators have failed to agree on terms for Hamas to disarm or for Israel to withdraw its troops. Israeli forces currently control about two-thirds of the territory, where they have ordered residents out.
More than 2 million residents live in the remaining third of the enclave, which remains under the effective control of Hamas. Most inhabitants reside in makeshift tents and damaged buildings among war ruins. Israel says four of its soldiers have been killed in attacks since the ceasefire began.
Palestinian authorities state that more than 74,000 people have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza. The military campaign began after Hamas-led fighters killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
Source: KELO
