Israel has intensified military operations in Gaza, targeting Hamas commanders and infrastructure within medical facilities, despite a U.S.-backed ceasefire in place since October 2025. Recent strikes at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital and other central Gaza sites have resulted in multiple civilian casualties, including children and journalists, according to reports from AFP, Kompas.com, and Beritasatu.com.
Israeli Strikes Target Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah
The Israeli military targeted a Hamas commander allegedly hiding within the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital complex in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, on Saturday, August 29. According to the IDF, the commander had launched attacks against Israeli civilians and troops. While the military stated it took steps to minimize civilian risk and warned Gaza medical authorities two days prior to stop using facilities for “terrorist purposes,” the hospital reported three people were wounded near a warehouse by the maternity ward.
The IDF has not confirmed if the unnamed commander was killed. Separate reports from the same day indicate one person died from Israeli gunfire in the eastern part of the city, a claim the military said it is currently investigating.
Did you know? The UN considers data from the Gaza Ministry of Health to be reliable, despite the ministry operating under Hamas authority.
Civilian Casualties and Journalist Deaths in Gaza
Violence has persisted across multiple sectors of the strip. In Gaza City, the Hamas-run civil defense reported two deaths and several injuries following an attack near a roundabout in the Tel al-Hawa area. The Israeli military told AFP it had targeted a “military member” in that location.
Further casualties were reported in central Gaza on Sunday, August 23. Kompas.com reports three people died in central Gaza, including 4-year-old Muhammad Abdel Salam Taha, who was killed in an airstrike in Al-Zawayda. Another person died in a separate attack at the Nuseirat refugee camp. The Israeli military told AFP it was targeting “terrorists” in one of these strikes but provided no further details on the identities of the targets.
A more severe incident occurred on Monday, August 25, when a strike on a southern Gaza hospital killed at least 20 people, including five journalists. Beritasatu.com reports that among the dead was Mariam Dagga of the Associated Press. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted Hamas surveillance cameras and militants. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a “kecelakaan tragis.”
Comparing Casualty Data and Military Justifications
There is a sharp contrast between the reported death tolls and the military justifications provided by the IDF. The following data points illustrate the scale of the conflict since the October 2025 ceasefire:
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| Source | Reported Deaths (Post-Ceasefire) | Primary Justification |
|---|---|---|
| Gaza Health Ministry (via AFP/Kompas) | 1,313 | Civilian casualties/Medical facility strikes |
| Israeli Military | 5 soldiers, 1 civilian contractor | Eliminating Hamas threats/Terrorist infrastructure |
The IDF maintains these operations are necessary to destroy Hamas, the group responsible for the October 7, 2023, attacks. However, UN Human Rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan stated that the killing of journalists “should shake the world.”
Humanitarian Crisis and Internal Israeli Pressure
Beyond direct military strikes, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating. The Gaza Ministry of Health reports that 186 people have died from malnutrition since late June, including 117 children. Total deaths in Gaza since the start of the war have reached thousands, according to Beritasatu.com.
Inside Israel, the government faces mounting pressure. Thousands of protesters have blocked roads and burned tires to demand a ceasefire and the release of approximately 50 hostages still held by Hamas. While Egyptian delegations have visited Israel to push for negotiations, Beritasatu.com reports that Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition has rejected deals they perceive as benefiting Hamas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Israel attacking hospitals in Gaza?
The Israeli military claims that Hamas uses medical facilities for terrorist purposes, including hiding commanders and installing surveillance cameras.
Is there currently a ceasefire in Gaza?
A U.S.-backed ceasefire has been in effect since October 2025, but the Israeli military continues to conduct targeted operations to eliminate Hamas threats.
How many journalists have been killed in recent strikes?
According to Beritasatu.com, at least five journalists, including Mariam Dagga of the Associated Press, were killed in a single strike on a southern Gaza hospital on August 25.
Analysis: The use of “double taps” strikes—where a location is hit twice in rapid succession—has been identified by military officials as a pattern in these operations, a tactic that frequently draws international criticism for increasing civilian casualties.
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