Two Palestinians, including a child, were killed by Israeli snipers on Monday in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, according to the official Palestinian news agency, Wafa. Medical sources confirmed the deaths, which occurred despite the ceasefire agreement that went into effect on Sunday.

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Earlier in the day, Wafa reported that eight other Palestinians, including children, were injured in separate incidents: one involving a drone strike and another caused by the explosion of a “suspicious object” left behind by Israeli troops in a border city near Egypt.

The Israeli army has yet to issue a statement regarding these incidents and has denied knowledge of the attacks that caused the injuries.

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, signed to halt hostilities after 471 days of devastating conflict, stipulates a three-phase process. The first phase, which began on Sunday, mandates a 42-day cessation of attacks and includes the gradual exchange of 33 Israeli hostages for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.

However, the international community has expressed concern over the fragility of the agreement, fearing that isolated attacks could jeopardize the truce and escalate tensions, with dire consequences for both the hostages and Gaza’s civilian population.

Negotiations for the second phase of the agreement are scheduled to begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire, aiming for a long-term cessation of hostilities. Yet, statements from Israeli officials have cast doubt on the durability of the truce. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the ceasefire as “temporary,” emphasizing Israel’s continued commitment to dismantling Hamas’s military and political infrastructure—an objective the Israeli army has been unable to achieve despite over 15 months of intense military operations.

The Gaza Ministry of Health, overseen by Hamas, reported a staggering death toll of 47,035 Palestinians since the conflict began. In the 24 hours leading up to the ceasefire, at least 60 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks, and 62 additional bodies were recovered from the rubble. Palestinian media outlets suggest that more than 70 bodies were found in recent hours, signaling the extent of devastation.

A report by the Palestinian Civil Defense, published Monday, highlighted the grim reality of the conflict, stating that approximately 2,840 bodies remain unaccounted for due to the use of weapons capable of “evaporating” human remains.

Despite the temporary halt in violence, the ceasefire has exposed deep mistrust and ongoing tensions between the two parties. The international community has urged both sides to uphold their commitments under the agreement, while humanitarian organizations continue to call for accountability and a path toward lasting peace in the region.

The road ahead for Gaza remains uncertain, with the specter of renewed violence looming large over a population already devastated by unprecedented loss and destruction.

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