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Gaza death toll surpasses 70,000 amid fragile ceasefire
More than 70,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since Israel launched its military offensive, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, as violence continues despite a ceasefire declared on October 10. Israeli airstrikes, justified as responses to alleged truce violations, persist alongside ongoing recovery efforts in the rubble.
Brothers killed in disputed drone strike
Two young brothers-Fadi and Juma Abu Assi-were reportedly killed in an Israeli drone strike on Saturday while gathering firewood east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Family members identified them as an eight-year-old and his brother, aged 10 or 11.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told the BBC the strike targeted two individuals who had crossed the "yellow line," a demarcation established under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire where Israeli forces agreed to withdraw over seven weeks ago. Their funeral was held at Nasser Hospital the same day.
Reliability of casualty figures debated
Gaza's Ministry of Health, whose data is cited by the United Nations and international agencies, reports the Palestinian death toll now stands at 70,100, with over 350 fatalities recorded since the October 10 truce. Israel has repeatedly challenged the ministry's figures, while independent verification remains impossible due to restrictions on journalists entering Gaza.
Origins of the conflict
Israel's offensive began in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. The ongoing military campaign has drawn international scrutiny as civilian casualties mount.
Ceasefire strains
Despite the truce, sporadic violence continues, with both sides accusing the other of violations. The deaths of the Abu Assi brothers underscore the fragility of the agreement and the persistent risks faced by civilians in the war-torn enclave.
