Israeli strikes kill 17 Palestinians, mostly women and children as Gaza ceasefire crumbles

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of at least 17 Palestinians, with hospital officials reporting that the majority of the deceased were women and children. Among those killed were seven women and five children, including a 5-month-old and a 10-day-old baby. These strikes occurred despite a ceasefire that had been established on October 10, 2025, and were reportedly a response to gunfire from militants that seriously wounded one Israeli soldier. The ongoing violence has led to significant casualties in Gaza, with reports indicating that the cumulative toll since the ceasefire began has reached at least 556 deaths, according to Gaza's health ministry. In a separate incident, other sources reported that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 21 Palestinians, marking one of the deadliest days since the ceasefire took effect. This included casualties such as two boys, three journalists, and a woman, highlighting the severe impact of the conflict on civilians. The situation remains tense, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violating the ceasefire agreement. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, as hospitals are overwhelmed by the influx of casualties from the recent strikes. The strikes on Wednesday have been described as part of a broader pattern of violence that has escalated since the ceasefire was implemented, contributing to a fragile atmosphere in the region.