Gaza war: Gaza Health Ministry Reports Three Palestinians Injured by Israeli Fire North of Khan Younis
Gaza’s health ministry and officials report continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire nearly 10 months after it began amid the Gaza war, with three Palestinians injured by army fire north of Khan Younis, widespread demolitions, restricted aid, collapsing medical services and the detention without charge of senior doctor Hussam Abu Safia who faces reports of torture and denial of care.
Ongoing Ceasefire Violations and Military Activity
Three Palestinians were injured by Israeli army gunfire north of Khan Younis. [4] Israeli forces conducted demolition operations south of the city and continued firing east of Salah al-Din Street near Wadi Gaza Bridge. [1] The Israeli occupation has not adhered to the terms of the ceasefire, nor even to the protocol attached to this ceasefire. [1] Israeli-controlled “yellow” zones now cover more than 70 percent of Gaza, confining Palestinians to less than 30 percent of the territory, most of it destroyed. [1] Crossings remain largely closed with around 20,000 patients awaiting evacuation abroad and daily aid trucks limited to roughly 250 instead of the agreed 600. [1]
Deterioration of Gaza’s Health System
Nasser Hospital in Deir al-Balah reports three to four patients dying daily from shortages of medicines and supplies. [1] Last week Israeli forces destroyed a medical supply warehouse serving nearly half a million people near Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. [1] Gaza’s health system was among the hardest hit. [1] It will take generations for Palestinians in Gaza to recover from the trauma and loss. [1] Malnutrition, collapsing shelter and lack of safe drinking water could not be tackled while the entry of dual-use materials remained blocked by Israel. [1]
Hamas officials state readiness to proceed with the Gaza ceasefire plan. — Source: dawn
Detention and Reported Abuse of Dr Hussam Abu Safia
Director-general of Gaza’s Health Ministry Dr Muneer al-Boursh called for urgent action to save detained paediatrician Hussam Abu Safia, citing assaults, injuries to eye, head and chest, lack of medical care and imminent danger to his life. [1] Abu Safia was seized after the 85-day siege of Kamal Adwan Hospital on 27 December 2024 and remains held without charge under Israel’s unlawful combatant law. [1] Israel’s supreme court rejected an appeal for his release in June. [1] His lawyer, who visited him last month, reported new signs of beatings and torture. [1] Rights groups, including Amnesty International and the United Nations Commission of Inquiry, have warned that his life is in imminent danger. [1] We hold the occupation authorities fully responsible for his life and safety, and we demand an urgent, independent and comprehensive medical examination for him, ensuring he receives the necessary treatment. [1]
Hamas Position on the US-Backed Peace Plan
Hamas stated it remains ready to proceed with the US-backed peace plan involving handover of weapons to a Palestinian governing committee and urged US pressure on Israel to implement the second phase. [2] Hamas informed US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace that it stood by the latest stage of the plan, under which the group would hand over weapons to a nascent Palestinian governing committee in the war-battered territory. [2] Hamas and other factions have confirmed to mediators their readiness to begin implementing the agreement and move to the second phase, provided it receives Israeli approval and that Israel begins implementing the agreement. [2] Hamas is urging the US administration to exert pressure on Israel to compel it to abide by the agreement and move to the second phase. [2] Israeli attacks have decreased in intensity but continue. [2]
Saint Porphyrius church in Gaza shows damage from Israeli bombardment in October 2023. — Source: cyprusmail
Casualty Figures and Broader Impact
Since the October 2024 ceasefire, 1,257 Palestinians have been killed and 4,131 wounded in Gaza according to the health ministry. [1] Overall death toll since October 2023 exceeds 73,000. [1] Israel has killed 1,257 Palestinians since October last year, when the two sides agreed to a ceasefire backed by Trump, according to the Palestinian health ministry. [2] The Israeli army has reported five deaths in its ranks during the same period. [2] Gaza’s Health Ministry said hospitals received two people who had died of their wounds and six injured in the past 24 hours. [1] The latest casualties increased the death toll since last October’s ceasefire to 1,257 and 4,131 wounded. [1] In total, Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza has killed more than 73,000 Palestinians since October 2023. [1]
International Humanitarian and Restoration Efforts
Cyprus will provide €150,000 to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem towards the restoration of the historic Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza, which was partially destroyed during an Israeli bombardment in October 2023. [3] The Greek Orthodox church was struck on October 19, 2023, while hundreds of Palestinians were sheltering inside the compound. [3] At least 18 people were killed, according to reports at the time, including a three-month-old baby, while parts of the building were destroyed. [3] Cyprus’ funding will also support educational and social programmes, expanded school facilities and childcare through the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. [3] A further €20,000 grant has been approved for Cypriot monks of the Holy Sepulchre serving in Bethlehem, Bethany and Jordan. [3] The government has allocated a further €148,000 to the Patriarchate of Antioch for assistance in Syria. [3]
What to watch next: Hamas remains ready to proceed with the US-backed peace plan and has urged US pressure on Israel to implement the second phase while Israeli attacks continue at reduced intensity.
