Israeli drone strike kills two Palestinians in Gaza, violating ceasefire

Two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli drone strike in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza early Wednesday in a new violation of the ongoing ceasefire, medical sources told Anadolu. The strike targeted the densely populated camp, which has faced repeated Israeli attacks throughout the conflict.

Strike on displacement tents

In a later development, four Palestinians, including three children, were wounded when an Israeli strike targeted tents sheltering displaced people in the al-Mawasi area west of Khan Younis, medical sources told Anadolu. The area has been designated as a humanitarian zone, raising concerns about the protection of civilians seeking shelter.

Ceasefire violations mount

Israeli forces have carried out daily violations of the ceasefire in place since Oct. 10, which have killed 677 people and wounded 1,813 others as of March 18, according to Health Ministry data. The ongoing attacks have undermined the truce that was meant to halt hostilities after two years of war.

Gaza war context

Israel launched a war on Gaza in October 2023, killing more than 72,000 Palestinians, wounding around 172,000 others, and devastating about 90% of civilian infrastructure. The health system remains largely collapsed, with approximately 22,000 wounded and sick individuals needing evacuation for treatment abroad.

Regional escalation

The Gaza violations come amid broader regional escalation since the US and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, killing over 1,340 people according to Iranian authorities. The conflict has expanded to Lebanon, where Israeli ground operations have displaced over one million people.