Gaza Strip – Tensions continue to mount in the Gaza Strip despite an ongoing United States-brokered ceasefire. Israeli military operations have claimed the life of another Palestinian civilian, marking a total of 236 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire began. Meanwhile, Hamas has handed over the remains of three Israeli captives, fueling further political and humanitarian discussions around the fragile truce.

New Casualty in Gaza City Drone Strike

On Sunday, Gaza’s Ministry of Health confirmed the death of a Palestinian man targeted in an Israeli drone attack in the Shujayea neighbourhood of Gaza City. Israeli forces have been conducting demolitions and raids in the area, actions that local residents say violate the spirit of the ceasefire.

The Israeli military claimed the victim had crossed a “yellow line” – a boundary marking the ceasefire zone – and approached troops. However, Israeli authorities have yet to provide evidence to support this claim, further deepening distrust in the region.

Soaring Palestinian Death Toll Despite Ceasefire

Since the ceasefire took effect, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that at least 236 Palestinians have been killed and 600 wounded in ongoing Israeli operations. In addition, excavation efforts in bombed-out neighborhoods have recovered 502 more bodies from beneath collapsed buildings, bringing the total death toll from Israel’s military offensive to a staggering 68,856.

Observers and humanitarian organizations argue that the continued violence and blockades contradict the ceasefire’s purpose. Survivors in Gaza face devastating losses, with limited access to food, shelter, medicine, and clean water due to Israel’s continued restrictions.

Hamas Hands Over Three Bodies of Israeli Captives

In a significant development, Hamas announced the return of the bodies of three Israeli captives to the occupation authorities through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The offices of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the retrieval of the remains.

The bodies are currently being examined at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute in Tel Aviv, with the identification process expected to take up to 48 hours. As part of previous agreements, Israel is obliged to return the bodies of 45 deceased Palestinian prisoners in exchange – 15 for each captive.

According to Al Jazeera correspondent Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, Jordan, the recovery operations are complex and risky. They are being conducted in heavily bombed areas like Bani Suheila and Shujayea, where hundreds of tonnes of debris pose severe challenges to locating all missing persons.

US Accused of Disinformation Campaign

Tensions escalated further when the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) accused Hamas of looting humanitarian aid in Khan Younis, alleging that “suspected Hamas elements” stole supplies meant for civilians. CENTCOM released drone footage purportedly showing the alleged theft.

But Gaza’s Government Media Office swiftly rejected the allegations, calling them “false” and part of a deliberate disinformation campaign to smear Palestinian authorities. The office emphasized that Palestinian police forces have been striving to ensure safe delivery of aid, despite severe disruptions caused by Israeli forces.

“The Israeli government continues to manipulate humanitarian aid to starve Gaza’s population and create desperation among civilians,” the media office stated.

Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Gaza’s hospitals continue to crumble under immense pressure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 16,500 patients in need of specialized treatment remain trapped in Gaza. Medical evacuations have been slow and limited, with most aid trickling through Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Turkey.

A recent study published in The Lancet revealed that over three million “years of life” have been lost since October 2023 due to Israel’s ongoing siege and bombardment of Gaza. Researchers noted that the majority of the victims were civilians, including children under the age of 15, highlighting the long-term social and demographic impact of the conflict.

Winter Looms, Homeless Struggle to Survive

With winter approaching, displaced Palestinians are racing to construct any form of shelter from the ruins of their homes. In Gaza City, families like that of 42-year-old Khalid al-Dahdouh have had to rely on makeshift mud structures due to severe shortages of building materials.

“We’re just trying to survive the cold and the hunger,” al-Dahdouh said, surrounded by his five children. Despite the ceasefire, the fear of renewed attacks lingers as Israeli forces continue demolitions and surveillance operations.

UN officials in Gaza warn that without significant international intervention, the worsening humanitarian crisis – marked by hunger, homelessness, and lack of medical care – may spiral beyond control this winter.