Gaza death toll surpasses 73,000 as Israeli fire kills 2 Palestinians
08:31, 18/06/2026, ThursdayU: Update: 10:17, 18/06/2026, Thursday
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Relatives of Palestinians, who lost their lives in an Israeli drone strike targeting civilians on the beach, mourn during a funeral ceremony after receiving the bodies from Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza, Palestine on June 17, 2026. Two Palestinians were killed and six others were injured in the attack.The Health Ministry in Gaza said Wednesday that Israeli attacks killed two Palestinians in the territory over the past 24 hours, pushing the overall death toll since October 2023 to 73,016 despite a ceasefire agreement that has been in effect since October 10, 2025.
The Health Ministry said Wednesday that Israeli military fire killed two Palestinians in the Gaza Strip during the previous 24-hour period. Medical teams recorded five additional injuries from the attacks, bringing the total number of wounded since the war began in October 2023 to 173,265 according to the daily report.
Ceasefire violations
The new casualties mark a continuation of violence nearly three weeks into a ceasefire agreement that took effect on October 10, 2025. Ministry data indicates that at least 1,005 people have been killed and 3,157 others wounded since the truce formally began, undermining diplomatic efforts to halt hostilities after two years of sustained conflict.
War devastation
Israel launched its military campaign on October 8, 2023, initiating a genocidal war that has left widespread destruction across the Palestinian territory after nearly three years of fighting. The United Nations has estimated reconstruction costs at approximately $70 billion, with local authorities reporting that Israeli bombardments have damaged or destroyed 90% of civilian infrastructure in the densely populated coastal enclave.