The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 900 deaths this year alone, according to data from the Hamas-run Ministry of Health. This alarming statistic comes despite a ceasefire agreement established following the acceptance of a peace plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which aimed to halt military operations in the region.

The ceasefire, which began on October 10, has not stopped the violence, as evidenced by the continued Israeli airstrikes. Reports indicate that between April and August, more than 100 individuals were killed each month, with July marking the peak with 152 fatalities, including 21 children. The health ministry's figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants, but they are generally viewed as reliable by the United Nations and independent analysts.

In the wake of the ceasefire, the Gaza health ministry documented 251 deaths in October alone, further highlighting the ongoing violence. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have contested these figures, arguing that not all listed deaths can be attributed to their military actions. They maintain that their operations are focused on neutralizing threats while minimizing civilian casualties.

Conflict monitoring organization Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (Acled) has reported approximately 200 Israeli strikes during the ceasefire, which primarily targeted Hamas operatives and other militants. The IDF has acknowledged the deaths of five soldiers and one contractor since the ceasefire began, claiming that hundreds of militants have also been killed in their operations.

Experts have described the current situation as a “ceasefire in name only,” with ongoing Israeli air and drone strikes occurring almost daily. Hugh Lovatt, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, emphasized that civilians are disproportionately suffering the consequences of this continued violence.

Recent incidents have included a deadly strike on a beachside cafe in Gaza City on August 18, which resulted in six deaths, and another attack on a police headquarters the following day that killed nine individuals, including a child. The IDF has stated that these strikes were aimed at Hamas commanders and militants, asserting that they took measures to protect civilians.

UNICEF has reported that over 300 children have died since the ceasefire began, with spokesperson James Elder calling the situation “absurd and devastating.” Humanitarian organizations have also highlighted the deaths of aid workers, with reports indicating that 22 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect.

Independent research group Airwars corroborated the health ministry's data, noting over 60 fatal incidents in July, the highest monthly toll since the ceasefire commenced. Professor Michael Spagat from Royal Holloway, University of London, stated that the health ministry’s data is credible and can be independently verified, as it includes detailed information about the deceased.

As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with increasing calls for a resolution to the violence and protection for civilians caught in the crossfire.