Since the ceasefire took effect in October, at least 1,252 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the territory’s Health Ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led administration. The ministry’s casualty figures are considered generally reliable by United Nations agencies and independent experts, though it does not provide a detailed breakdown of civilian versus militant deaths. It does note, however, that the majority of those killed are women and children.

Israel maintains that its ongoing strikes target militants responsible for endangering Israeli soldiers, participating in the October 7 attacks, or committing other violations. Since the ceasefire, five Israeli soldiers have died. The ceasefire agreement, backed by the United States, stipulated that Hamas would disarm and Israel would withdraw from Gaza. It also called for the deployment of an International Stabilization Force and the establishment of an independent Palestinian administration to oversee governance and reconstruction efforts.

Despite the agreement, both sides accuse each other of violating the truce. Israel has emphasized that progress depends on Hamas relinquishing its weapons, while Hamas insists that Israel must halt strikes and begin withdrawing from the territory.

Gaza remains extensively damaged, with most of its roughly 2 million residents displaced. Many live in overcrowded tent camps where poor sanitation has led to infestations of rodents and outbreaks of infectious diseases such as chickenpox. Reconstruction efforts have been halted amid the continued tension and military actions.

The situation remains fragile, with ongoing violence impeding efforts to restore stability and rebuild the devastated region.