Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed at least four Palestinians over the past 48 hours, while rescue teams recovered eight more bodies from beneath rubble, highlighting the continuing human toll despite an existing ceasefire, according to Palestinian health authorities.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said the latest fatalities occurred during Israeli attacks across different parts of Gaza, raising the number of people killed since the ceasefire took effect on October 10 to 405. The ministry added that ongoing recovery efforts continue to uncover victims trapped under collapsed buildings following weeks of intense bombardment.
According to reports cited by Middle East Eye, emergency crews and civil defence teams retrieved at least eight bodies from debris during the same 48-hour period. This brings the total number of bodies recovered from rubble to 649, underscoring the scale of destruction left behind by earlier Israeli strikes.
Health officials said many areas of Gaza remain inaccessible due to extensive damage, unexploded ordnance, and a lack of heavy machinery, complicating rescue and recovery operations. In several cases, bodies are believed to remain buried under the remains of residential buildings that were flattened during the conflict.
The deaths reported over the past two days have further strained Gaza’s already overwhelmed healthcare system. Hospitals continue to operate with limited supplies, damaged infrastructure, and shortages of medical staff, while treating thousands of wounded civilians. Aid agencies have repeatedly warned that the health sector is nearing collapse without sustained humanitarian access and reconstruction support.
Although a ceasefire has been in place since October 10, Palestinian officials say sporadic Israeli strikes and military activity have continued, particularly in areas previously targeted during the war. They argue that these operations are undermining the fragile calm and putting civilian lives at continued risk.
Israeli authorities have not immediately commented on the latest reported deaths. In past statements, Israel has said its military actions are aimed at targeting militant infrastructure and maintaining security, while accusing armed Palestinian groups of operating from within civilian areas. Palestinian officials and human rights organisations have consistently rejected these claims, saying civilians bear the brunt of the violence.
The broader conflict has left much of Gaza in ruins, with entire neighbourhoods destroyed and hundreds of thousands displaced. International agencies estimate that rebuilding the enclave will take years, even if hostilities do not resume. The recovery of bodies weeks after major fighting subsided reflects the depth of devastation and the slow pace of clearing debris.
Human rights groups have called for independent investigations into civilian deaths and urged all parties to uphold international humanitarian law. They have also appealed for greater protection of civilians and unrestricted access for humanitarian workers to reach affected communities.
As recovery efforts continue, Palestinian health officials warn that the death toll could rise further as more bodies are discovered. Families across Gaza remain in mourning, many still searching for missing relatives, while the humanitarian situation shows little sign of significant improvement.
