Palestinians carry the body of a man who was killed in an Israeli military strike, during his funeral at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.
Israeli Gaza strikes intensified on Wednesday, killing at least 24 Palestinians, health officials said.
The dead included two infants, women, a child, and a paramedic on duty.
The violence has further weakened a fragile ceasefire already under severe pressure.
Israel said the Gaza strikes targeted militant leaders.
It added that some attacks followed gunfire that seriously wounded an Israeli soldier.
Palestinians, however, say the war feels far from over.
Civilian Deaths Deepen Anger in Gaza
Hospitals across Gaza reported heavy casualties throughout the day.
Officials said at least five children and seven women were killed.
An on-duty paramedic was also among the dead.
Doctors questioned the meaning of the ceasefire.
Many residents said daily life still feels like wartime.
The truce took effect on October 10 but has been repeatedly disrupted.
Since then, Gaza health officials report 556 Palestinian deaths.
They say women and children make up nearly half the toll.
Israel says four of its soldiers have died during the same period.
Israel Defends Gaza Strikes
The Israeli military said the Gaza strikes were defensive.
Officials blamed Hamas attacks and ceasefire violations.
An Israeli reservist was badly wounded by militant gunfire Wednesday morning.
An Israeli military official said strikes were carried out in real time.
Targets were chosen to protect Israeli forces, the official said.
Several Arab and Muslim nations have condemned Israel’s actions.
Egypt and Qatar, both ceasefire mediators, criticized repeated violations.
They warned the truce could collapse without restraint.
Family Wiped Out in North Gaza
One of the deadliest Israeli Gaza strikes hit Gaza City’s Tuffah neighborhood.
A single family lost most of its members.
At least 11 people were killed, hospital officials said.
The victims included parents and two infants.
One baby was only 10 days old.
Another was just five months old.
Mourners gathered at Shifa Hospital for funeral prayers.
Relatives openly questioned why children were being killed.
Scenes of grief unfolded as families said goodbye.
Attacks Spread Across Southern Gaza
More Gaza strikes followed in Khan Younis.
A tent in the Muwasi area was hit early Wednesday.
Three people were killed and 10 others injured.
The dead included a paramedic working at the site.
Israel said it targeted a Hamas platoon commander.
The commander allegedly led a 2023 attack on an Israeli kibbutz.
Another strike in Khan Younis killed three more people.
A 12-year-old boy was among the dead, officials said.
Israel said the victims approached Israeli-controlled territory.
Militants Targeted, Civilians Caught
Israeli Gaza strikes also hit Gaza City’s Al-Shati refugee camp.
One person was killed and another wounded.
Israel said it killed a Hamas cell leader.
The military also confirmed killing an Islamic Jihad leader.
Officials said all three militants posed direct threats.
At least 38 Palestinians were wounded across Gaza.
Rafah Crossing Offers Little Relief
The Rafah border crossing briefly reopened this week.
It was seen as a positive step for the ceasefire.
Progress, however, has been slow and uncertain.
Only 40 Palestinians crossed on Tuesday after long delays.
On Wednesday, more than half scheduled patients were turned back.
Aid groups said confusion and interrogations caused setbacks.
Egypt confirmed limited entries but gave no clear numbers.
By evening, crossing outcomes remained unclear.
Ceasefire Advances Stall
Some parts of the ceasefire have moved forward.
Hamas released all hostages in its custody.
Israel freed thousands of Palestinian prisoners in return.
Humanitarian aid has increased across Gaza.
A temporary civilian committee now manages daily affairs.
The Red Cross helped return dozens of Palestinian bodies.
Still, key ceasefire elements remain frozen.
Hamas disarmament has not begun.
Gaza’s reconstruction and international security plans are stalled.
War’s Heavy Toll Continues
The war began with Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel.
About 1,200 people were killed and 251 abducted.
Israel responded with a massive military campaign.
Since then, over 71,800 Palestinians have been killed.
Health officials say many victims are civilians.
For Gaza residents, Israeli Gaza strikes keep hope painfully distant.
