More than 900 people have been killed in Gaza this year amid a continued conflict, according to figures released by the Hamas-run health ministry. The total number of fatalities in the Strip since October 7, 2023, now exceeds 1,300, with 301 children among the deceased.
The ministry recorded 251 deaths in Gaza during the first month of a ceasefire agreement that began on October 10. However, the Israeli military has continued its operations, with deadly attacks reported each subsequent month. July saw the highest monthly death toll this year, with 152 individuals killed, including 21 children.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that five of its soldiers have died in combat since the ceasefire began, and one contractor was killed in an "operational accident." The IDF also claims to have killed hundreds of military operatives since October.
Conflict monitoring group Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (Acled) has recorded approximately 200 Israeli strikes during the ceasefire period that reportedly targeted Hamas operatives or other armed "militants." Acled noted that these strikes included commanders involved in planning the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and the taking of 251 hostages.
Hugh Lovatt, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, described the situation as a "ceasefire in name only," asserting that the Israeli military has maintained near-daily air and drone strikes. "Though it claims to be targeting Hamas or imminent threats, it is Gaza's civilians that have continued to bear the brunt," Lovatt stated. He suggested that these ongoing actions could become a "central stumbling block" for international efforts to implement a ceasefire deal.
The IDF maintains its commitment to the ceasefire agreement, citing "continued violations and threats posed by Hamas and other terror organizations" in Gaza as justification for its actions.
Acled's verified data relies on official statements, media reports, and social media to confirm attacks. The ongoing hostilities underscore the precariousness of the declared ceasefire and the persistent humanitarian toll in the region.