Gaza City – A fragile ceasefire in Gaza is facing significant challenges amid reports of numerous violations by Israeli forces. According to Ismail al-Thawabta, Director-General of the Government Information Office in Gaza, 393 documented breaches of the ceasefire agreement have occurred since it came into effect. These violations, he asserts, directly target civilian lives, aiming to instill fear, expand destruction, and exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation.
Al-Thawabta stated that the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with a collapsing healthcare system and over 80% of hospitals rendered non-functional. He also highlighted the ongoing food blockade, despite efforts by security forces to maintain internal stability, secure displacement sites, and protect service centers amidst the ongoing violations.
The ceasefire followed a devastating two-year Israeli military operation in Gaza, which, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health statistics, resulted in the deaths of approximately 70,000 Palestinians and injuries to over 17,000. Thousands remain missing under the rubble, and tens of thousands have been repeatedly displaced within the Strip. An agreement to halt hostilities between Palestinian factions and Israeli forces was reached on October 11th.
Al-Thawabta detailed the specific nature of the alleged Israeli violations. He stated that, up to Tuesday evening, 393 documented breaches had been recorded, a clear violation of international humanitarian law and the humanitarian protocol attached to the ceasefire agreement. These breaches, he claims, have resulted in the deaths of 279 civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, and injuries to 652 civilians. Furthermore, 35 citizens have been arrested during arbitrary incursions into residential areas.
The Director-General outlined the various forms of aggression, including 113 instances of direct gunfire targeting citizens, homes, and displacement camps. He also cited 17 instances where Israeli vehicles crossed the provisional ‘yellow line,’ 174 instances of aerial, artillery, and ground shelling, and 85 demolition operations targeting homes and civilian infrastructure. DZWatch continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as they become available.
