Israeli military operations in Gaza escalated during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, resulting in multiple casualties and exacerbating the territory’s humanitarian crisis. On Sunday, an Israeli airstrike targeted a police vehicle in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, killing at least four officers and injuring several others while they were performing their duties, according to a statement from Gaza’s Ministry of Interior.
Simultaneously, another Israeli strike north of Gaza City claimed the life of a Palestinian civilian and wounded multiple others during the third day of Eid celebrations marking the end of Ramadan. The Palestinian health ministry reported that Israeli attacks since the beginning of the holiday have resulted in nine fatalities and 30 injuries.
These recent incidents continue a pattern of near-daily violations occurring since a ceasefire agreement took effect in October. During this period, Israeli forces have killed 687 people and wounded 1,845, with the overall death toll surpassing 72,000 Palestinians since the conflict began. The offensive has also destroyed approximately 80% of Gaza’s infrastructure.
The humanitarian situation has deteriorated further due to intensified restrictions on aid and medical evacuations. The Rafah crossing, a critical gateway for civilians and assistance, has remained largely closed since Israeli forces seized control in May 2024. Although it temporarily reopened on Thursday after being closed since February 28th, movement remains severely limited.
Since March 19th, only 24 patients and their companions have been evacuated through the crossing. The closure of key entry points has had severe consequences, restricting humanitarian relief, preventing Palestinian returns, and blocking thousands of urgent medical evacuations. In a concerning development, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian attempting to return to Gaza via Rafah crossing on Monday, an action reported as violating the terms governing its reopening.