A father and his daughter were killed in an Israeli drone attack in central Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on Saturday, adding to the growing toll of the conflict. The attack occurred amid continued Israeli military operations in the region, which have drawn international condemnation and raised concerns over the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

Escalating Violence and Casualties

According to Al Jazeera correspondents on the ground, the two victims were killed early on Saturday in a separate strike. Later in the day, another person was killed and a young girl wounded in Khan Younis. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that two additional people were wounded in the past 48 hours.

The Israeli military has continued conducting air strikes, artillery shelling, and naval bombardments across Gaza, despite an October 11 ceasefire agreement. The conflict has been described by some as an ongoing genocide, with more than 72,123 Palestinians killed since October 2023 and over 171,805 injured, according to the Health Ministry.

Israeli forces have also been reported advancing east of Gaza City, with heavy gunfire and reports of a Palestinian police officer being abducted. Meanwhile, Israeli warplanes struck several locations near the Tuffah neighborhood, and the Israeli navy fired heavy machineguns and shells toward the coast of Gaza City, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa.

Humanitarian Crisis and Blocked Aid

The Rafah border crossing, which connects Gaza to Egypt, has remained closed since Israel’s attacks on Iran. The crossing had only recently reopened in February, allowing a limited number of Palestinians to leave for the first time in months, including patients in urgent need of medical care. Thousands of people remain blocked from traveling for treatment, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

The Karem Abu Salem crossing, also known as Kerem Shalom, is partially open for the entry of humanitarian aid only, under strict Israeli restrictions. Nearly all of Gaza’s population of more than two million people has been displaced during Israel’s war on the territory, and the enclave remains heavily dependent on humanitarian assistance.

Human Rights Watch reported in February that Israeli restrictions have contributed to shortages of medicine, food, water, and reconstruction materials in Gaza. These shortages have worsened over time, with the conflict showing no signs of abating.

Violence Spills into the West Bank

The violence has not been confined to Gaza. In the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that its teams in Hebron were treating a Palestinian injured by live fire near the illegal Karmei Tzur settlement, built on Palestinian land north of Hebron. Three Palestinians were also injured on Saturday after being physically assaulted by Israeli settlers in the Ras al-Ahmar area, south of Tubas.

Israeli forces conducted raids in the towns of Qaffin and Kafr al-Labad, north of Tulkarem, and a Palestinian man was injured after being assaulted by Israeli soldiers near the village of Azmut, east of Nablus. According to the latest United Nations figures, at least 1,094 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops and settlers in the West Bank since October 2023.

The ongoing violence has drawn international concern, with many calling for an end to the conflict and for the protection of civilians. However, no significant progress has been made toward a lasting resolution.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community is closely watching for any potential developments that could lead to a de-escalation or a new ceasefire agreement. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is expected to worsen unless a resolution is found soon.