Full Breakdown
Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Result in Civilian Deaths Amid Ceasefire Violations, July 2026
7/7/2026, 11:15:03 PM
Recent Israeli Airstrikes (July 5–7, 2026)
July 5: Israeli airstrike on Omar Al-Mokhtar road in Gaza City killed at least two Palestinians and wounded several (Reuters). July 7: Three strikes hit Khan Younis, Gaza City and Rafah. Medics said a man and two children died in Mawasi (Khan Younis), a civilian died near a tent encampment in Gaza City, and another person died in a third Khan Younis strike; gunfire near Rafah killed one and injured nine.
Background & Context
The U.S.-mediated ceasefire began on 10 October 2025, limiting large-scale combat while Israel retains a “buffer zone.” Both sides have violated the agreement, said Board of Peace envoy Nikolay Mladenov. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will not withdraw and that reconstruction will follow Hamas disarmament. The ceasefire follows the October 2023 Hamas attack that sparked the war.
Data & Statistics
Gaza’s Ministry of Health records 1,066–1,072 Palestinian deaths and 3,445–3,463 injuries since the ceasefire. Total casualties since October 2023 exceed 73,090 deaths and 173,550 injuries. The July 5–7 strikes added 2–6 deaths and more than 20 injuries, according to different outlets.
Official Statements & Responses
The Israeli military says each strike targeted Hamas operatives and declined comment on Rafah gunfire. Netanyahu reiterated that “there will be no reconstruction in Gaza without dismantling and demilitarizing the Strip.” The Popular Resistance Committees said senior commander Waheed Abu Salem was killed in a Khan Younis strike. Mladenov stressed ceasefire breaches.
Criticism & Opposition
Israel’s “daily killing policy” could trigger an “uncontrollable explosion,” the Palestinian presidency warned. Emad al-Bashiti, whose son was killed in Khan Younis, called the ceasefire “continued fire.” Mahmoud al-Masri said his brother Khalil was shot before dessert was served. Elyas Abu Safiya said his father, Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, shows torture signs after months of detention.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reuters reported at least two deaths on July 5, US News reported four, and the Straits Times reported six for the July 5–7 period. Some outlets list civilian deaths in Tel Al-Hawa and al-Rashid Street, others do not. The Israeli military has not released independent verification for several incidents, leaving gaps in target identification and civilian impact.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There will be no reconstruction in Gaza without dismantling and demilitarizing the Strip,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, PM
- “Whoever calls this a ceasefire is overlooking what is actually happening on the ground. It is not a ceasefire, it is continued fire,” — Emad al-Bashiti, father
- “It was a complete shock. He was very happy and laughing with his friends. He ordered a dessert, but the bullet penetrated his head before the order was served,” — Mahmoud al-Masri, brother
- “The developments came hours after the Palestinian presidency warned that Israel's "daily killing policy" in Gaza, along with illegal settler attacks in the occupied West Bank, could lead to an "uncontrollable explosion" of the situation.” — Palestinian presidency
What’s Next
The U.S.-led Board of Peace will meet in Ayia Napa to discuss “temporary reconstruction” in Gaza zones under Israeli control. Negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire—Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal—remain stalled, while humanitarian agencies call for unrestricted medical access.
