Deir al-Balah

At least 12 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Saturday, hospital officials said, marking one of the deadliest days since an October agreement intended to halt hostilities came into effect.

According to medical sources, the strikes hit sites in both northern and southern parts of the enclave, including a residential apartment in Gaza City and a tent shelter in Khan Younis. Among the victims were two women and six children belonging to two separate families.

The attacks occurred just a day before a key border crossing in Gaza’s far south is scheduled to reopen, underscoring that fatalities continue to be reported even as efforts to advance a ceasefire gather pace.

All border crossings into Gaza have remained shut since the war began, leaving the Rafah crossing with Egypt as a critical lifeline. Palestinians view its reopening as essential for evacuating thousands of wounded and seriously ill people, especially as much of Gaza’s healthcare system has been damaged or destroyed.

Shifa Hospital reported that the strike in Gaza City killed a woman, her three children and another family member early Saturday. Meanwhile, Nasser Hospital said an airstrike hit a tent encampment in Khan Younis, sparking a fire that claimed the lives of seven people, including a man, his three children and three grandchildren.

The Gaza Health Ministry said more than 500 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire began on October 10. While the ministry operates under the Hamas-run administration, its casualty figures are generally regarded as credible by United Nations agencies and independent analysts.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the latest strikes when contacted.

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Despite diplomatic efforts and ceasefire arrangements aimed at reducing violence, hospital officials say civilians continue to bear the brunt of ongoing hostilities, with women and children among the dead.