In a tragic Breaking News update from the Middle East, at least 23 Palestinians were killed across the Gaza Strip in Israeli attacks, making Wednesday one of the deadliest days since an October “ceasefire” was announced. Medical sources confirmed that the victims included women and children, adding to growing concerns over civilian safety during the ongoing conflict.
Health officials said heavy shelling and air attacks hit both northern and southern Gaza, striking homes, tent camps, and areas sheltering displaced families. The violence comes at a time when many residents had hoped the ceasefire would bring some relief after months of war.
Deadly Shelling in Gaza City Neighborhoods
In northern Gaza, at least 14 people lost their lives after Israeli shelling struck the Tuffah and Zeitoun neighborhoods of Gaza City. These areas are densely populated, and many families have been living in damaged homes due to earlier fighting.
Medical teams said several children were among those killed, including an 11-year-old girl. Ambulances struggled to reach some locations because of ongoing bombardment and damaged roads. Local doctors described the situation as “overwhelming” as hospitals continue to operate with limited supplies.
Residents said the attacks came without warning, forcing families to flee suddenly or remain trapped inside their homes.
Tents for Displaced Families Also Targeted
In southern Gaza, attacks on makeshift tent camps caused further deaths. Four Palestinians were killed in the Qizan Abu Rashwan area, south of Khan Younis, where displaced families had taken shelter after being forced from their homes.
Another two people were killed in an Israeli air attack on the al-Mawasi coastal tent camp. The Palestine Red Crescent Society confirmed that one of the victims was Hussein Hasan Hussein al-Sumairy, a first responder who was helping others at the time of the strike.
Human rights groups say attacks on tent camps raise serious concerns, as these areas are meant to be safe zones for civilians fleeing violence.
Fear Grows Despite Ceasefire Claims
Reporting from Khan Younis, Al Jazeera journalist Tareq Abu Azzoum said Israeli attacks have continued even though a US-brokered ceasefire is officially in place.
“People here feel there is no real pause in the fighting,” he said. “Homes are being hit directly, and drones can be heard constantly overhead, creating fear of more attacks at any moment.”
He added that Israeli forces appear to be shifting the so-called “yellow line” in eastern Gaza. This line marks areas under Israeli military control, and its movement has caused panic among residents who fear new displacement orders.
Israeli Military Responds
The Israeli military said its armoured units and aircraft carried out operations in northern Gaza after a reserve officer was seriously injured by gunfire. According to the statement, the incident happened during routine activity near the yellow line.
The injured officer was evacuated to a hospital, and Israel said the attacks were part of its response. However, Palestinian officials argue that the scale of the strikes has caused excessive civilian harm.
Since the ceasefire began nearly four months ago, more than 520 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
Bodies and Human Remains Returned
On Wednesday, Gaza’s Ministry of Health said Israeli authorities handed over the bodies of 54 Palestinians, along with 66 boxes containing human remains and organs. The transfer was facilitated by the Red Cross.
Medical teams in Gaza are now examining the remains before returning them to families for burial. The ministry described the situation as deeply distressing for relatives who have waited months for answers.
Since the war began on October 7, 2023, at least 71,803 Palestinians have been killed. International rights groups and a United Nations inquiry have described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. A related case is currently being heard at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Rafah Crossing Evacuations Face Delays
Amid rising violence, medical evacuations through the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt were briefly suspended on Wednesday. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said Israel cancelled coordination for a third group of sick and wounded patients.
“Unfortunately, we were informed at the last moment that today’s evacuation was cancelled,” spokesperson Raed al-Nims said. Patients were supposed to receive medical checks before being transferred to Egyptian hospitals.
Later in the day, coordination was reportedly restored, and evacuations were expected to resume. Conflicting explanations emerged, with Israel’s defense ministry body COGAT blaming missing paperwork from the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO did not immediately comment.
Although Israel recently agreed to partially reopen the Rafah crossing after nearly two years, the number of people allowed to leave remains very limited.
Thousands Still Waiting for Medical Help
Only five Palestinians were permitted to cross into Egypt on Monday, followed by 16 on Tuesday—far below the 50 per day that Israeli officials had previously promised.
Gaza health officials say more than 18,000 patients are waiting for medical evacuation, including around 440 critical cases that need urgent treatment unavailable inside Gaza.
Those allowed to leave or return have reported harsh treatment, including blindfolding, handcuffing, interrogation, and harassment during transit.
West Bank Raid Adds to Tensions
While Gaza faced heavy attacks, violence also continued in the occupied West Bank. In the city of Jericho, Israeli forces shot and killed 24-year-old Saeed Na’el al-Sheikh during a late-night raid, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health said three others were injured in the raid. In separate incidents across the West Bank, six more Palestinians were wounded—some by gunfire, others by beatings, and one woman after being struck by a military vehicle.
