Israeli attacks in southern Gaza kill two as Palestinians urge reopening of Rafah crossing
Israeli forces carried out renewed artillery and helicopter strikes in southern Gaza on Monday, killing at least two people despite a United States-brokered ceasefire, according to Palestinian officials.
Among the victims were a five-year-old girl and her uncle, who were killed when an Israeli strike hit a tent sheltering displaced Palestinians in the coastal al-Mawasi area.
Death toll continues to rise despite ceasefire
Palestinian health authorities in Gaza said the latest deaths raised the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire began in October to at least 422.
Medical staff at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis confirmed that the strike targeted a tent housing displaced families. They added that four other people, including children, suffered injuries in the attack.
Israeli military cites security threat
In response, Israel’s military said it targeted a Hamas fighter who was allegedly preparing an imminent attack on Israeli forces. However, the military did not provide evidence to support the claim, nor did it clearly state whether the strike referred to the tent in al-Mawasi.
Meanwhile, Palestinian officials said Israeli forces have continued near-daily attacks across Gaza despite the truce.
Humanitarian conditions worsen across Gaza
In addition to continued military operations, Israel has maintained tight restrictions on humanitarian aid entering the territory. Palestinian officials estimate that about 88 percent of Gaza’s buildings have been damaged or destroyed during the war.
As a result, most of Gaza’s two million residents now live in tents, temporary shelters, or partially destroyed homes in areas previously vacated by Israeli troops.
Building collapse kills father and child
Separately, the Palestinian Civil Defence reported that a damaged home collapsed in the central Maghazi refugee camp, killing a 29-year-old man and his eight-year-old son.
Later, the rescue service said it could not respond to many emergency calls because it lacks proper equipment and continues to face severe fuel shortages.
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