Israeli military attacks across the Gaza Strip killed at least five Palestinians, including two children, according to Palestinian officials reporting on ongoing violence in the territory.
Vehicle Strike Kills Seven-Year-Old and Father
Seven-year-old Wafaa Aqila and her father were killed when an Israeli strike hit the vehicle they were traveling in, according to a statement from the Palestinian Ministry of Education released on Sunday. The family had just finished purchasing school supplies in preparation for the new school term, which the child was due to start days later. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the latest 24-hour reporting period also recorded 30 other injuries across the enclave, alongside two additional deaths from wounds sustained in earlier attacks.
Artillery Shells Strike Deir el-Balah Shelter School
Hours after the vehicle attack, an Israeli artillery strike hit the Sakina School in Deir el-Balah, according to Palestinian reports. The facility was operating as a shelter for displaced civilians. The strike killed Saadi Ghalia, a first-grade student sheltering at the location. The Palestinian Ministry of Education condemned the incidents, stating that while children internationally prepare to return to classrooms, children in Gaza face continuous bombardment and loss of life.
Casualty Totals and Ceasefire Context
The latest casualties push the cumulative death toll in the enclave higher. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 1,352 people have been killed and 4,511 others wounded since a temporary ceasefire framework took effect in October. Since the broader military campaign began in October 2023, the cumulative death toll has reached at least 73,658 Palestinians killed, with 174,622 others wounded, according to ministry tallies.
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