At Least 86 Palestinians Killed in Gaza Following Ceasefire Announcement

The deal is expected to take effect on Sunday, January 19.

Gaza: 86 Palestinians, Including 23 Children, Killed After Ceasefire Deal

At least 86 Palestinians, including 23 children, were killed in Gaza following the announcement of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement on Wednesday, according to the Palestinian Civil Defence. The casualties occurred amid continuing Israeli airstrikes on the strip. Of the total deaths, 73 were in Gaza City in the north, four in central Gaza, and nine in the south. Additionally, over 258 others were reported injured.

The fatalities included 27 women. In response, the Israeli army confirmed that its air force had targeted approximately 50 sites across Gaza, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad members, military infrastructure, weapon storage, rocket-launching sites, and observation posts.

The Israeli army accused Hamas of violating international law by using civilian institutions and populations as human shields. The army stated it would continue targeting such organizations. Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, which have been mediating peace efforts, announced that a prisoner and hostage exchange agreement had been reached, with a goal of restoring sustainable calm and achieving a permanent ceasefire.

The ceasefire deal is expected to take effect on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, Israel's military reported striking about 50 sites in Gaza, a day after agreeing to the ceasefire. The strikes targeted militants linked to Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel, as well as additional Hamas and Islamic Jihad military targets.

Since October 7, 2023, the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel has led to over 46,000 Palestinian deaths and significant destruction in Gaza, following a surprise attack by Hamas on Israeli communities.