**Title: Israel Kills Three Palestinians in Gaza Despite 'Ceasefire' Agreement**
**Published On: July 1, 2026**
In a recent escalation of violence, at least three Palestinians were killed in an Israeli drone strike in northern Gaza on Wednesday. The strike occurred near al-Hilu station, which is known to house a private specialist hospital and a fuel station, according to local reports from the Palestinian Wafa news agency.
The Israeli military, in a statement via Telegram, claimed responsibility for the strike, asserting that it targeted four Hamas fighters in separate incidents in northern Gaza. The individuals identified by the military were Wael Mahmoud Ali Labad, Muaz Mohammad Hassan Ahmad, Sameh Abu Kamil, and Akram Ashraf Hamad Labad. However, the Israeli military did not provide any evidence to substantiate its claims regarding the identities or affiliations of those killed.
This incident comes despite a ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. While large-scale hostilities have diminished since the truce, reports indicate that Israeli military operations against Palestinians in Gaza have persisted. According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, since the ceasefire was implemented, over 1,053 Palestinians have been killed, and approximately 3,406 others have sustained injuries. The office has also documented around 3,465 violations of the ceasefire by Israeli forces.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health has reported a staggering total of 73,066 confirmed Palestinian fatalities and 173,514 injuries since the onset of the conflict in October 2023. The ongoing violence has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region, as many families continue to suffer from the repercussions of the conflict.
In addition to the recent drone strike, there have been reports of continued Israeli military expansion within Gaza. Following the ceasefire, the Israeli military has reportedly increased its control over areas in Gaza, issuing orders for forced displacement and restricting Palestinian access to certain territories. The so-called "Yellow Line" has effectively barred residents from entering approximately 53 percent of the enclave, a figure that has reportedly grown to 64 percent by March 2026. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously indicated plans to extend military control to over 70 percent of the Gaza Strip.
The ceasefire agreement was intended to facilitate a phased approach, which would include the release of remaining captives and the disarmament of Hamas, alongside a gradual Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. However, negotiations have stalled, primarily due to disagreements over the disarmament of Hamas and the extent of the Israeli military's withdrawal.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful of the humanitarian implications and the potential for further escalations in violence. The persistent cycle of conflict and the challenges surrounding peace negotiations underline the complexities of the situation in Gaza.