Gaza: Hundreds Dead Post-Ceasefire as Violations Mount and Genocide Case Progresses
Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported a grim toll of over 600 Palestinian deaths and more than 1,600 injuries since a ceasefire was reportedly implemented, underscoring persistent hostilities and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave. This comes amidst allegations of thousands of ceasefire violations and ongoing international scrutiny over military actions.
Escalating Casualties Amidst Truce Reports
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 603 Palestinians have been killed and 1,618 injured in Israeli attacks since October 10, when a ceasefire was reportedly implemented in the confined territory. Gaza authorities further announced on February 10 that over 1,600 ceasefire violations by Israel have been documented over a four-month period. These figures contribute to a devastating cumulative total, with the overall number of Palestinian casualties in Gaza reaching 72,063 since October 2023, alongside over 171,000 injuries.
Genocide Allegations and International Scrutiny
The severity of the situation has drawn stark warnings from international experts. Stuart Casey-Maslen, head of the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, recently stated that Gaza’s population has decreased by over 10% since October 2023, an estimation that could translate to approximately 200,000 deaths. This profound human loss has led human rights groups and a United Nations investigation to label Israel’s military actions in Gaza as genocide. Consequently, a formal genocide case against the Israeli regime is currently under review at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.
Casey-Maslen, speaking to Anadolu Agency about the Academy’s “War Monitor” report, described the situation in the Palestinian territory as “dramatic.” While acknowledging a reduction in the intense hostilities seen prior to the ceasefire, he cautioned that “this does not mean an end to the suffering of the people of Gaza. We remain deeply concerned about the situation of all people in Gaza.”
He further clarified that while at least 70,000 civilian deaths have been confirmed since October 2023, this figure likely represents only recovered bodies, with many more remaining under rubble. Citing reports from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics indicating a more than 10% population reduction, Casey-Maslen warned: “If these figures are correct, we are talking about more than 200,000 people… it is clear that this is a significant loss of life.”
Persistent Humanitarian Crisis
Despite reports of reduced direct conflict, the humanitarian crisis remains critical. Casey-Maslen expressed particular concern for the injured who require safe transfer for proper treatment, emphasizing that “people are still dying in Gaza.” He stressed the urgent need for significantly more humanitarian aid, including food, water, shelter, protection from harsh winter conditions, and medical treatment for the beleaguered population.
