Continued Casualties in Gaza Despite Ceasefire

Since the October 2025 ceasefire took effect, over 1,005 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli operations in Gaza, according to local health officials.

A series of Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in the Gaza Strip have resulted in continued casualties since a ceasefire agreement took effect in October 2025. The most recent strikes include the killing of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the head of Hamas's military wing, on Friday, June 13, 2025, and his successor, Mohammed Odeh, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

The ceasefire, brokered by the United States, remains largely stalled over disagreements on key issues, including the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Timeline of Key Incidents

June 13, 2025: Killing of Izz al-Din al-Haddad

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza City's Rimal neighborhood targeted Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the head of Hamas' military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades. The Israeli military confirmed his death on June 14, 2025. Hamas also confirmed the killing.

Casualties and Damage: The strike on an apartment building, followed by a second strike on a vehicle on a nearby street, resulted in at least seven deaths, including a child and al-Haddad's wife and daughter, and over 50 injuries, according to Gaza health officials and medics. A joint funeral for al-Haddad was held on June 14 in Gaza City.

Statements: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that al-Haddad was one of the architects of the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. The Israeli military described the operation as a precise strike. A senior Hamas official confirmed al-Haddad's death to Reuters.

June 17, 2025: Killing of Mohammed Odeh

Less than two weeks after al-Haddad's death, an Israeli airstrike killed Mohammed Odeh, who had been appointed as the new head of Hamas' military wing. The strike occurred in Gaza City on June 17, 2025.

Casualties and Damage: At least five people were killed, including Odeh, his wife, his son, his daughter, and another woman. Twelve others were injured. A joint funeral was held on June 18.

Statements: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described Odeh as "one of the architects" of the October 7, 2023, attack. Netanyahu stated Israel would target everyone involved in the October 7 attack.

Other Reported Strikes (February – June 2025)

Multiple other incidents have been reported across Gaza since the ceasefire began. The following is a summary of reported events based on hospital officials, the Gaza Health Ministry, and military statements.

Ceasefire Status and Context

The ceasefire, which came into effect on October 10, 2025, was intended to halt the conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, it has not resulted in a complete cessation of hostilities.

Ceasefire Provisions: The U.S.-brokered agreement halted major fighting but left Israel in control of more than half of Gaza. The agreement's first phase included the release of hostages by Hamas and the release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel. The second phase, which remains stalled, involves negotiations on the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the disarmament of Hamas, and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Ongoing Military Operations: Since the ceasefire, Israel has continued to conduct strikes and fire on Palestinians near military zones. The Israeli military states its actions are in response to alleged ceasefire violations by Hamas and militant attacks on its soldiers. Four Israeli soldiers have been killed by militants during this period, according to the Israeli military.

Deadlock in Talks: Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked in indirect talks over the implementation of the ceasefire's second phase. Key sticking points include the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a new Palestinian government for Gaza. Diplomat Nickolay Mladenov cited the deadlock as blocking progress on reconstruction and troop withdrawals.

Casualty Figures

The Gaza Health Ministry, part of the Hamas-led government, has reported the following figures. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its counts. Its records are generally considered reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts.

Since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, the death toll has exceeded 73,000 Palestinians. Women and children comprise about half of the fatalities.

• Since the October Ceasefire: As of June 2025, over 1,005 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli operations in Gaza since the ceasefire began.
• Total War Deaths: Since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, the death toll has exceeded 73,000 Palestinians.
• October 7 Attack: The war was triggered by a Hamas-led attack into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.

Rafah Border Crossing

The Rafah crossing, which connects Gaza to Egypt, has been a point of focus within the ceasefire agreement.

Reopening: The crossing was partially reopened on June 16, 2025, allowing limited passage for medical evacuations and the return of some Palestinians.

Closures and Delays: The crossing has experienced closures and delays. On June 18, 2025, Israel halted the evacuation of patients through the crossing, citing a lack of coordination details from the World Health Organization. An Egyptian security source stated that Israel cited security issues as the reason for the closure.

Purpose: Palestinians view the Rafah crossing as crucial for tens of thousands needing medical treatment outside the territory, where much of the medical infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.