Israel Defense Forces Strike Gaza Despite Ceasefire Agreement

The Israel Defense Forces conducted a drone strike late Sunday in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, killing two men. The military identified the targets as Hamas terrorists, including a member of the Nukhba force who participated in the October 7 attacks, claiming the operation was necessary to neutralize an immediate threat. Other military actions over August 23 and 24 included artillery shelling south of the Maghazi refugee camp and strikes near Khan Younis.

Local reports and the Ministry of Health of Palestine describe the targets as displaced persons sheltering in tents near Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. These actions occur despite a ceasefire agreement that took effect in October 2025. The Ministry of Health of Palestine reports that ceasefire violations have resulted in 1,288 deaths and 4,290 injuries since the truce began, contributing to a total war death toll of 73,422 since October 2023.

President Donald Trump called for Israel to cease strikes, stating that Hamas had agreed to lay down its weapons. In response to the recent operations, the Israel Defense Forces stated that troops under the Southern Command remain deployed to remove immediate threats and maintain the ceasefire.