Israeli Forces Continue Attacks in Gaza Amidst Ceasefire Violations

Ongoing Military Actions Reported Across Gaza

The Gaza Strip has continued to experience Israeli military operations throughout February 2026, despite a ceasefire agreement that officially came into effect on October 10, 2025. Reports indicate persistent shelling, gunfire, and airstrikes in various areas, alongside instances of home demolitions.

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza (MoH), at least 20 Palestinians were killed and 52 injured between February 11 and 19, 2026. An earlier period, from February 6 to 11, saw 20 fatalities and 80 injuries. Since the ceasefire's implementation in October 2025, the MoH has reported a total of 611 killed and 1,630 injured. On February 23, 2026, three Palestinians were reportedly injured by Israeli forces east of Gaza City.

Targeted locations have included eastern Gaza City, the Al-Bureij Camp, Rafah, and Khan Yunis. The Palestinian news agency WAFA also reported renewed demolitions of homes. Furthermore, an UNRWA school in Jabalia, North Gaza, was reportedly demolished with explosives on February 5, 2026, and a total of eight UNRWA schools in militarized zones were reportedly destroyed between January and February.

Mutual Accusations of Ceasefire Breaches

Both Israeli and Palestinian sources have accused the other of violating the existing ceasefire. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Palestinian groups violated the ceasefire 14 times between February 5 and February 20, and 113 times since October 2025. These alleged violations include crossing the 'Yellow Line' – which delineates Israeli-controlled territory within Gaza – and firing at IDF troops. The IDF maintains its actions are responses to these breaches.

Conversely, Hamas has accused Israel of committing a 'massacre' and a 'serious breach' of the ceasefire. The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the US, outlined a multi-stage plan that included the return of hostages by Hamas, its disarmament, and a partial withdrawal of IDF forces to the 'Yellow Line'. However, Israel has reportedly moved this line deeper into Gaza unilaterally.

Humanitarian Concerns and 'Ethnic Cleansing' Allegations

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical. A report by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), covering November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025, raised concerns about 'ethnic cleansing' in both Gaza and the West Bank. The report cited 'intensified attacks, the methodical destruction of entire neighborhoods and the denial of humanitarian assistance' as actions appearing to aim at a 'permanent demographic shift' and 'forcible transfers' of Palestinians.

The OHCHR report detailed the 'continued killing and maiming of unprecedented numbers of civilians', the spread of famine, and the destruction of remaining civilian infrastructure, creating living conditions 'increasingly incompatible with their continued existence in Gaza as a group'. It also highlighted that at least 463 Palestinians, including 157 children, starved to death during the reporting period. Aid flow has reportedly increased since October 2025, but concerns persist due to restrictions on UNRWA and other NGOs. The Rafah crossing reopened in February for limited movement of people, but not goods.