Child Among Seven Killed in Gaza on Anniversary of US-Backed Ceasefire

Gaza’s Health Ministry reports at least 1,481 Palestinians have died in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire was implemented last October.

At least seven people, including an eight-year-old girl, died in Israeli strikes across Gaza on the first anniversary of the United States-backed “ceasefire,” which has held in name only.

Shahd Abdul-Razzaq al-Najjar, 8, was killed by an Israeli quadcopter drone in the al-Jawazat area of western Gaza City on Saturday, according to a medical source speaking to Al Jazeera.

In the same western district, four people died and several were wounded in a separate Israeli bombardment near the Haider Abdel Shafi roundabout, al-Shifa Hospital said.

The hospital also confirmed one death in a drone strike in the northeastern Tuffah neighbourhood.

Meanwhile, in the southern city of Khan Younis, a woman died from injuries sustained during an earlier Israeli attack on Saturday.

Also on Saturday, the enclave’s Ministry of Health stated that at least 1,481 Palestinians have been killed and 5,254 injured since the so-called ceasefire came into effect on October 10 last year.

The ministry added that Israel’s war on Gaza, since October 7, 2023, has killed at least 74,370 people and injured 175,371.

In the past 24 hours, Israeli attacks killed at least nine people and injured 65, with one further person succumbing to injuries from previous aggression.

Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum reported from Gaza that the “ceasefire” has only deepened uncertainty in the enclave.

“The rhythm of the genocide has not changed,” he said. “The danger has not gone away completely, and that’s why people believe that it has more consequences, far beyond the immediate loss of life.”

On Friday, more than 100 humanitarian, human rights and civil society organisations said in a joint statement that the ceasefire in Gaza exists only in name.

“The ceasefire exists in name only, with Israeli forces continuing to kill and injure Palestinians daily, and restrictions on aid, equipment and rebuilding materials preventing families from recovering,” the statement said.

In the occupied West Bank, at least 12 Israeli settler raids were recorded on Saturday morning, according to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission.

Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinian farmers through beatings, spraying them with pepper spray, stealing their property and attacking homes, the Wafa news agency reported. Several Palestinians were also detained during the attacks with the help of the Israeli military forces.

In the Ramallah and el-Bireh Governorate, settlers, along with the army, forced farmers to leave their lands and threatened them against returning. Two farmers were beaten and pepper-sprayed, as settlers stole a vehicle and their phones.

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