Southern Gaza Strikes Raise Post‑Ceasefire Death Toll to 280 as Aid Shortfalls Persist

At least one Palestinian was killed and two others — a woman and her child — were wounded in separate Israeli strikes in southern Gaza, local medical sources reported. The fatality occurred in the Qizan an‑Najjar area south of Khan Younis, while a drone strike in Bani Suheila left a woman and her child critically injured. Gaza authorities say these incidents bring the post‑ceasefire death toll to 280.

Gaza officials say nearly 400 ceasefire violations have been recorded since the truce went into effect on October 10. The Government Media Office urged international actors to intervene, calling on the United States, the agreement's mediators and guarantors, and the UN Security Council to take "serious and effective action to stop these attacks, restrain the occupation, and compel strict adherence to the ceasefire and humanitarian protocols to protect civilians."

The UN Security Council recently approved a US‑drafted resolution tied to President Trump's 20‑point peace plan. Adopted by a 13‑0 vote with Russia and China abstaining, the resolution envisages a transitional administration and an international stabilization force in Gaza and outlines a "credible pathway" to Palestinian statehood. The resolution sets the interim mandate to run through the end of 2027, but key implementation details remain unclear.

President Trump described the resolution and an international "board of peace" as major progress and said he hoped Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman would join the board. According to the plan, the board would serve as an interim administration overseeing security, public services and reconstruction; however, operational specifics and timelines have not been provided.

Humanitarian Concerns and Life on the Ground

Local correspondent Hani Mahmoud reported that most Palestinians are focused on immediate survival needs rather than diplomatic initiatives. Displaced families face urgent shortages of clean water, food and shelter, and many fear the upcoming winter, along with seasonal heavy rains that will compound hardship in makeshift displacement areas.

Mahmoud noted that eastern sections of the enclave have been designated as "yellow areas" under Israeli control as part of the ceasefire framework. Residents in those zones say their homes and livelihoods have been largely destroyed, and there are repeated reports of Israeli forces firing at Palestinians who approach the ruins to assess damage.

Under the ceasefire agreement, aid deliveries were to be significantly increased, with a target of at least 600 trucks entering Gaza daily. Aid levels have fallen well short of that goal, and UN agencies warn the hunger crisis remains catastrophic.

Captives, Prisoner Releases and Official Reactions

President Trump highlighted the return of captives as part of his plan but misstated the number of bodies still held, saying two remained when officials report three. At the start of the truce, Hamas reportedly held about 20 living captives and 28 bodies; in exchange, Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and returned the remains of hundreds of Palestinians.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), said in an interview that residents continue to suffer from disease, displacement and insufficient supplies. "The aid entering Gaza is insufficient, and food is unavailable due to high prices," he warned. Lazzarini added that with winter approaching, crossings must be opened and made fully operational to deliver the assistance needed to prevent further deterioration of living conditions.

The gap between diplomatic initiatives and on‑the‑ground realities remains stark: officials and residents alike say a clear operational roadmap is needed to end violence, reopen and expand crossings, and ensure reliable access to food, water and shelter.