Gaza death toll exceeds 1,100 as ceasefire violations persist ahead of Israeli elections
Israeli attacks kill five Palestinians in Gaza City and Khan Younis, breaching the US-backed October agreement and stalling reconstruction efforts as political tensions rise ahead of the 27 October vote.
At least five Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, marking a significant breach of the US-backed ceasefire agreement signed in October 2026. Palestinian health officials confirmed the casualties, which include two deaths from an air strike near the Tuffah neighbourhood in Gaza City, one person killed when a tent encampment for displaced Palestinians was bombed in western Gaza City, one death from tank fire in eastern Gaza City, and one fatality in Khan Younis following a car attack.
The incidents bring the total number of Palestinians killed since the truce began to over 1,100. Despite the formal cessation of hostilities, implementation of the deal has seen little progress, with humanitarian restrictions on aid entering the enclave continuing to violate the agreement. Jibril Khattab, whose relative was killed during the truce, described the ceasefire as an "illusion" to Reuters, stating that the entire population of Gaza has not experienced a single moment of peace.
Reconstruction of Gaza, estimated to cost over $70bn and take at least 10 years, remains stalled due to Israeli restrictions and political considerations ahead of the 27 October 2026 general elections. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition has prevented reconstruction work despite the ceasefire terms, with analysts suggesting that the 76-year-old prime minister may escalate attacks to influence voters as he faces potential loss of power.
The conflict has strained Israel’s international reputation, with allegations of war crimes in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran mounting. Netanyahu has not achieved his stated goal of destroying Hamas despite tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths. Additionally, the war with Iran, which Netanyahu reportedly persuaded US President Donald Trump to join, has caused global economic hardships and exposed divisions between the US and Israel.
No top Israeli politician currently supports an independent Palestinian state or a roadmap to achieve one, complicating post-war planning. Reconstruction is unlikely to begin before the elections, and even if a new government is formed, delays are expected given the lack of political consensus on a long-term solution for Gaza.
