DaysofPal- A report by the British newspaper The Guardian has highlighted the continued targeting of civilians in the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces, despite the declared ceasefire in October 2025.
The report comes as the number of casualties continues to rise, amid direct accusations that the Israeli occupation is maintaining daily military operations.
The newspaper documented the killing of volunteer paramedic Abdulrahman Hamdouna, 31, a father of two, underscoring what it described as a recurring reality that reflects the fragility of the declared truce.
Hamdouna was reportedly killed by a drone strike west of Gaza City while heading to break his fast with his family two weeks ago.
The incident came as a new shock to his family, who had hoped that the risks would diminish following the ceasefire announcement.
Hamdouna had been working as a volunteer ambulance driver in northern Gaza, risking his life daily to rescue the wounded.
His father, Hosni Hamdouna, stated that the family was fully aware of the dangers he faced, particularly amid repeated attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza, which have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of medical workers since the beginning of the war.
Hamdouna’s death is part of a long list of civilian casualties. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, more than 677 people have been killed since the ceasefire was announced on October 10, along with over 1,800 injuries. Daily airstrikes continue across the territory, averaging around 10 strikes per day.
The victim’s father effectively denied the existence of any real ceasefire on the ground, stating: “There is no ceasefire. What is being said is just media statements, while in reality, the bombardment and targeting continue.”
The report also recounts the painful moments leading up to Hamdouna’s death. His family had been preparing the iftar meal, while his brother Mohammad attempted unsuccessfully to contact him. Minutes before sunset, the family received news of his death, prompting a rushed trip to the hospital in a state of shock.
The tragedy is compounded by the family’s prolonged separation, as Hamdouna’s parents have been stranded in Egypt since the war began, unable to see their son for over two years.
Hamdouna is one of approximately 1,700 healthcare workers killed since the start of the conflict, including four who have died even after the ceasefire declaration, an indication, observers say, of the continued targeting of medical personnel.
Field officials in the ambulance sector stress that Israeli forces bear full responsibility for the deaths of humanitarian workers and the destruction of emergency response capabilities. Ambulance services in northern Gaza have reportedly lost around 80% of their vehicles since the beginning of the war.
International organizations, including the United Nations and Amnesty International, have documented that actions in Gaza, such as targeting civilians and imposing life-threatening living conditions, align with indicators of genocide. They note that such policies have persisted even after the ceasefire announcement.
These reports indicate that the total death toll in Gaza since October 2023 has exceeded 75,000, making it one of the deadliest military campaigns in modern history.
Colleagues of Hamdouna described the daily risks they faced, often staying inside hospitals throughout the war and rarely being able to visit their families due to the collapse of the healthcare system.
Medical student Hamza Nabhan, who worked alongside Hamdouna, said ambulances had effectively turned into mere transport vehicles due to a lack of medical equipment needed for emergency care.
Nabhan described paramedics and civil defense workers as the “true heroes” of the war, adding that he had spoken with Hamdouna just hours before his death, making the news even more devastating.
He also reflected the deep sense of despair among Gaza’s residents, noting that his plans to continue medical studies abroad have faded, with his focus now limited to securing basic daily necessities.
Healthcare workers emphasized that their hopes for improvement following the ceasefire have not materialized.
Gaza, they say, continues to live under conditions of ongoing war, with no real guarantees for civilian protection.
The report concludes with a stark portrayal of helplessness among residents. As Nabhan put it, “We are weak and have nothing,” amid continuing military operations and rapidly deteriorating humanitarian conditions.
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