Gaza death toll since ceasefire exceeds number killed in 7 October attacks

**GAZA STRIP** — A recent spike in Israeli military strikes in the Gaza Strip has brought the Palestinian death toll since a troubled October ceasefire to 1,254, surpassing the approximately 1,200 people killed in the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, according to figures from the Gaza health ministry.

The escalation follows a 15-point peace plan announced last week by U.S. President Donald Trump, which aims to secure the disarmament of Hamas in exchange for peace, security, an Israeli withdrawal, and a new administration in Gaza. The health ministry data does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

On Sunday, Israeli strikes killed 18 people. A day earlier, strikes killed at least three individuals and damaged medical supply warehouses. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that two of the men killed were Hamas leaders: Adnan Taha Abu al-Tayf, identified as a Nukhba commander in Hamas’ military wing whom the IDF claims infiltrated Israel on October 7, and Jalal Tsubeih, a commander in the Daraj Tuffah Battalion. The third was identified by the IDF as Mahmoud Fatair, a Nukhba commander in the Islamic Jihad’s Central Gaza Brigade.

The Israel military stated that its recent operations have targeted Hamas fighters and weapons infrastructure while taking steps to mitigate civilian harm.

According to UNICEF, the death toll since the ceasefire includes at least 300 children. UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Edouard Beigbeder, stated on Thursday that a ceasefire resulting in an average of one child death per day is failing. UNICEF called on all parties to comply with international humanitarian and human rights law.

Foreign ministers from Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia released a joint statement on Thursday condemning the continued violations as a breach of Israel’s obligations under international law. Mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey also issued a joint statement on Monday condemning ongoing Israeli violations.

Hamas accused Israel of a deliberate escalation aimed at blocking the new peace plan.

Israel has not officially signed the agreement. Doron Spielman, a spokesman for the Israeli prime minister’s office, stated on Monday that the published version does not reflect Israel’s positions and that concerns regarding Hamas disarmament have been communicated to American counterparts.

Nickolay E. Mladenov, the Board of Peace Director-General and High Representative for Gaza, criticized the attacks on social media, noting they destroyed medical supplies and occurred despite intense mediation efforts. The Jerusalem Post reported that Mladenov met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to request a halt to IDF strikes to facilitate a proposed 14-day ceasefire centered on Hamas demilitarization.

Michael Milshtein, an Israeli analyst and former military intelligence officer, suggested the increased pace of attacks reflects a strategy to act before potential U.S. pressure to halt operations.

Overall, the conflict has resulted in 73,381 deaths and 174,321 injuries, according to Palestinian officials. On Tuesday, a mass funeral was held in Gaza City for 112 bodies recovered from the rubble in recent weeks, according to Mahmoud Bassal, a civil defense spokesman.

Article and image source: iraqsun.com