By By Elizabeth Ugbo
A father and his daughter were killed early Saturday in an Israeli drone strike in Khan Younis, Gaza, Palestinian sources reported. The attack occurred amid ongoing Israeli military operations despite a ceasefire declared on October 11. Palestinian health officials said continued air raids and artillery fire are worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Gaza Death Toll Continues to Rise
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, at least 72,123 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October 2023. Another 171,805 people have been injured.
Officials also said 640 Palestinians have been killed and at least 1,700 wounded since the ceasefire took effect.
In the past 48 hours, two additional people were wounded during Israeli military activity in Gaza.
Continued Air Strikes and Military Operations
Israeli forces have intensified operations near Gaza City. Reports indicate Israeli army-affiliated militias advanced east of the city while heavy gunfire erupted in the area.
Meanwhile, Israeli warplanes struck several locations east of the Tuffah neighbourhood.
The Wafa News Agency also reported naval forces firing heavy machine guns and shells toward the Gaza City coastline.
Initial reports suggest armed groups abducted a member of the Palestinian police during the clashes.
Civilian Casualties Reported in Khan Younis
Later on Saturday, another Israeli attack killed one person and wounded a young girl in Khan Younis.
Journalists from Al Jazeera reported that Israeli forces continue daily air strikes, artillery shelling and naval bombardment across the enclave.
Violence Escalates in the West Bank
Violence has also increased across the occupied West Bank.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said its teams treated a Palestinian injured by live fire near the Karmei Tzur settlement.
In addition, three Palestinians were injured after Israeli settlers assaulted them in Ras al-Ahmar.
Israeli forces also conducted raids in the towns of Qaffin and Kafr al-Labad early Saturday.
Another Palestinian man suffered injuries after Israeli soldiers assaulted him near Azmut.
According to the United Nations, at least 1,094 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli troops and settlers since October 2023.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza
The humanitarian situation remains severe across the Gaza Strip.
The Karem Abu Salem Crossing is only partially open for limited humanitarian aid deliveries.
However, strict restrictions continue to delay supplies.
Nearly the entire population of more than two million people in Gaza has been displaced during the war.
A February report by Human Rights Watch said Israeli restrictions worsened shortages of food, medicine, reconstruction materials and clean water.
Rafah Crossing Remains Closed
The Rafah Border Crossing remains closed after Israel shut it during attacks linked to tensions with Iran.
The crossing had reopened briefly last month. It allowed a limited number of Palestinians, including critical patients, to leave Gaza.
However, thousands still remain unable to travel abroad for medical treatment.
