Israeli fire strikes journalists and children on one of Gaza’s deadliest days since ceasefire - Politico

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on January 31, 2026, resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating at least 23 to 31 Palestinians killed, marking one of the highest death tolls since a ceasefire was established on October 10, 2025. Among the deceased were three journalists, including a cameraman who worked with CBS News. The cumulative death toll in Gaza since the ceasefire began has reached at least 556, according to Gaza's health ministry. The strikes targeted various locations, including an apartment in Gaza City and a tent camp in Khan Younis. The Israeli military stated that these airstrikes were a response to gunfire from Palestinian militants that critically wounded one of their soldiers. The violence has raised significant concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of casualties, many of whom are women and children, including infants as young as 10 days old. Reports indicate that fatalities included six children and at least two baby girls. Despite the ceasefire, both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violations, contributing to a tense atmosphere in the region. The recent airstrikes underscore the fragility of ceasefire arrangements and the long-standing cycle of conflict that has characterized Israeli-Palestinian relations for decades. In response to the violence, foreign ministers from several Arab and Muslim states, including Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey, condemned Israel’s actions, stating that the breaches of the ceasefire have resulted in the deaths and injuries of more than a thousand Palestinians. They warned that these actions risk escalating tensions and undermining efforts aimed at restoring stability in the region. The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen amid ongoing military actions, complicating the situation further. The Rafah border is set to reopen, which is seen as a potential step forward in the ceasefire negotiations, but the ongoing violence complicates these efforts. The strikes have been described as part of a broader pattern of violence that has escalated since the ceasefire was implemented, highlighting the challenges in achieving lasting peace in the region.