At least one Palestinian has been killed and two others, including a woman and her child, injured in Israeli attacks on southern Gaza, according to local medical sources and the Wafa news agency. The latest fatalities occurred in the Qizan an-Najjar area, south of Khan Younis, while a drone strike in Bani Suheila earlier injured the mother and child.

These attacks bring the Gaza death toll to 280 since the October 10, 2025 ceasefire, brokered by the United States, amid nearly 400 violations of the truce reported by the Gaza Government Media Office. The office has called on the US, UN Security Council, and other mediators to take urgent action to ensure adherence to the ceasefire and protect civilians.

Ceasefire Challenges and International Response

The ceasefire, part of a 20-point peace plan proposed by former US President Donald Trump, envisioned a transitional administration and an international stabilisation force in Gaza, aiming for a pathway toward Palestinian statehood. The UN Security Council approved the plan in a 13-0 vote, with Russia and China abstaining.

Trump stated that the proposed “board of peace” would include leaders from all major countries, including Saudi Arabia, as part of a mechanism to oversee security, public services, and reconstruction in Gaza until 2027. However, Palestinians on the ground remain skeptical, prioritizing immediate survival needs over political plans.

Humanitarian Concerns in Gaza

Reporting from Gaza City, Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud highlighted the daily struggles of displaced Palestinians.

“People worry about clean drinking water, protecting their children from heavy rainfall, and accessing food in displacement areas,” Mahmoud said.

Residents living near the so-called yellow line—the demarcation between Israeli-controlled and Hamas-controlled zones—face heightened danger, as their homes and communities were destroyed during the conflict. Recent Israeli strikes have targeted Palestinians checking the ruins of their homes, exacerbating fear and uncertainty.

The ceasefire had promised a significant increase in humanitarian aid, with at least 600 trucks entering Gaza daily. In reality, aid deliveries remain insufficient, leaving the population facing a growing hunger and winter crisis. Philippe Lazzarini, chief of UNRWA, warned:

“Winter is coming, and this will add further hardship due to rain, cold, and insufficient food and medical supplies. Crossings must be opened to deliver the aid residents urgently need.”

Prisoner and Captive Exchanges

The US-brokered ceasefire included arrangements for the return of captives and deceased bodies. At the start of the truce, Hamas held 20 living captives and 28 bodies, while Israel has released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and returned hundreds of bodies. Trump claimed progress has been made in the exchange, though UN officials dispute the extent of humanitarian improvements on the ground.

The Path Forward

While international diplomacy continues, Palestinians face an immediate struggle for survival. Access to food, water, and shelter remains limited, and political agreements have yet to translate into tangible relief. The continuing violence underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and highlights the urgent need for international action to protect civilians and facilitate aid delivery.