In brief
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on February 4, 2026, have left 20 Palestinians dead, including children and medical personnel, raising serious humanitarian concerns amidst accusations of ceasefire violations. The attacks were described by the Israeli military as responses to gunfire against troops, but Palestinian officials have condemned the strikes as brutal aggression targeting civilians.
At least 20 Palestinians, including several children and a paramedic, have been killed and nearly 40 others wounded in Israeli strikes in Gaza, according to local hospitals.
The Israeli military confirmed that tanks and aircraft conducted precise strikes against militants who reportedly fired on Israeli troops, causing serious injuries to an officer.
These actions, occurring near the Yellow Line—beyond which Israeli forces are stationed—were described as a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement established three months prior between Israel and Hamas.
In response, Hamas criticized Israel, alleging that the military's claims were merely a pretext for ongoing violence against Palestinians. Hospitals in Gaza reported that many of the deceased were brought to Al-Shifa and Nasser hospitals, with some victims being children.
Abu Mohammed Haboush, among the mourners at Nasser hospital, recounted the loss of family members, saying, Our children were martyred—my son, my brother's son and daughter all killed in their sleep. The death toll included children who were playing near tents for displaced families when the strikes occurred.
A notable casualty was paramedic Hussein al-Samiri, who was killed while responding to the wounded from a previous attack. The Palestinian Red Crescent accused Israel of violating international laws that protect medical personnel.
The International Committee of the Red Cross expressed outrage over the continued risks faced by first responders in Gaza, emphasizing that such attacks on humanitarian efforts are unacceptable.
As both Israel and Hamas trade accusations of ceasefire violations, the situation remains critical, with numerous civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict. The toll from this war now exceeds 71,800 Palestinians killed since the onset of hostilities in October 2023.
