More than 900 killed in Gaza this year despite ceasefire, Hamas-run health ministry says

The figures, which the United Nations considers reliable, cover the period from the beginning of 2026. The health ministry attributes the deaths directly to Israeli military action but does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Experts have told BBC Verify that independent analysis is consistent with the ministry's data.

Hamas and Israel agreed to halt the war after accepting US President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan. The plan included a suspension of "all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment".

Since the ceasefire took effect on 10 October, BBC Verify has analysed dozens of videos showing the impact of Israeli strikes on locations including a beachside cafe, tents where displaced people had been sheltering, and a reported funeral procession in central Gaza. Recent months have been among the deadliest, with more than 100 recorded killed each month between April and August.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) disputes the ministry's figures. It told BBC Verify there is "no basis to assume" that all those listed were killed as a result of IDF activity. The IDF said it operates "in a precise manner to remove threats and protect its troops and Israeli civilians, in accordance with the agreement", and that it works to mitigate civilian harm "to the greatest extent possible".

Why This Matters

The continued deaths undermine the ceasefire agreement and raise questions about its enforcement.
Civilians, including hundreds of children, remain vulnerable despite a formal halt to hostilities.
The discrepancy between Israeli and Palestinian casualty figures fuels further scepticism on both sides and complicates any future peace negotiations.

Background

The war in Gaza began in October 2023 after a Hamas attack on Israel, triggering a devastating Israeli military campaign. A ceasefire was eventually agreed on 10 October after the acceptance of a US-brokered peace plan. The deal called for a suspension of all military operations, but both sides have accused each other of violations. The Hamas-run health ministry has been the primary source of casualty data throughout the conflict, and the UN has historically treated its figures as reliable despite the ministry's inability to distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Key Perspectives

Hamas-run Ministry of Health: Reports more than 1,300 total deaths since the ceasefire, including 301 children, all attributed to Israeli military action. The ministry’s figures are the basis for official Palestinian casualty counts. Israel Defense Forces (IDF): Rejects the premise that all recorded deaths result from its operations, arguing that the ministry’s data is unverified and that it acts precisely to avoid civilian harm in line with the ceasefire. United Nations and independent analysts: Consider the health ministry’s figures reliable; independent analysis has been found consistent with the data. However, the UN does not independently verify individual deaths.

What to Watch

Whether monthly casualty rates increase or decrease in the coming months, signalling the durability of the ceasefire.
Any independent investigation or international mediation body that may be established to monitor ceasefire compliance.
Statements from the US administration regarding the 20-point peace plan and potential consequences for violations.

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