Heavy shelling in the north and attacks on displacement camps in the south coincide with disruptions to medical evacuations via Rafah
By The Midtown Times Staff
Published Feb. 4, 2026
At least 23 Palestinians were killed across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, in what local medical officials described as one of the deadliest days since a ceasefire took effect in October. Among the victims were several children, including an 11-year-old girl, according to health authorities.
The heaviest toll was reported in northern Gaza City, where Israeli shelling struck the Tuffah and Zeitoun neighborhoods, killing at least 14 people. In the south, attacks on tents sheltering displaced families claimed six lives, including four people killed in Qizan Abu Rashwan, south of Khan Younis, and two more at the al-Mawasi coastal camp.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society confirmed that one of those killed was Hussein Hasan Hussein al-Sumairy, a first responder who died during an airstrike near al-Mawasi.
Reporting from Khan Younis, Al Jazeera correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum said multiple residential buildings in Gaza City were hit without prior warning, deepening fears among civilians already exhausted by months of violence.
“Despite the ceasefire, there is no sense of calm,” Abu Azzoum said. “Israeli military activity has intensified in recent hours. Drones are constantly overhead, signaling the possibility of further strikes.”
Israel’s military said its forces launched attacks in northern Gaza after a reserve officer was seriously wounded by gunfire during what it described as routine operations near the so-called “yellow line,” which marks areas under Israeli military control. The army said armored units and aircraft were deployed in response.
Abu Azzoum added that Israeli forces appear to be shifting the location of the “yellow line” deeper into eastern Gaza, heightening anxiety among residents who fear additional displacement.
Since the ceasefire began nearly four months ago, more than 520 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
On Wednesday, Gaza’s Ministry of Health said Israeli authorities transferred the bodies of 54 Palestinians, along with 66 boxes containing human remains, to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Medical teams in Gaza are expected to examine the remains before they are returned to families.
Overall, at least 71,803 Palestinians have been killed since the war began on October 7, 2023, according to local officials. Human rights groups and a United Nations inquiry have accused Israel of committing acts of genocide in Gaza, allegations Israel denies. A related case is currently being heard at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Medical evacuations disrupted at Rafah
The escalation in attacks coincided with confusion and delays surrounding medical evacuations through the Rafah crossing. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said coordination for a third group of patients scheduled to leave Gaza on Wednesday was abruptly canceled.
“Just minutes before the process was to begin, we were informed that today’s evacuations had been called off,” said Red Crescent spokesperson Raed al-Nims, speaking from Khan Younis. He said Israeli authorities notified the organization earlier in the day.
Later, reports indicated the evacuations would proceed after coordination was finalized, following conflicting explanations for the initial suspension. Al-Nims said the process involves transferring patients to a Red Cross hospital for preliminary checks before ambulances take them to Rafah and onward to hospitals in Egypt or elsewhere.
COGAT, an Israeli Defense Ministry body, said the World Health Organization, which coordinates movement through Rafah, had not submitted the required procedural details. The WHO did not immediately respond.
Israel recently agreed to partially reopen the crossing after it had been closed for nearly two years. Still, movement remains tightly restricted. Only five Palestinians were allowed to leave on Monday and 16 on Tuesday, far below the 50 per day Israeli officials had previously indicated would be permitted.
More than 18,000 patients are awaiting medical evacuation from Gaza, including about 440 critical cases requiring urgent care, Gaza health officials said.
Those permitted to move have described harsh treatment, including being blindfolded, handcuffed, interrogated, and, in some cases, sexually harassed during transit. Abu Azzoum said Israel has offered little transparency about why some Palestinians are denied permission to leave or return.
“Even those cleared to return must pass through military-controlled routes,” he said. “Names must be pre-approved, movements are restricted, and the final decision rests entirely with Israeli forces.”
Violence extends to the West Bank
As fighting continued in Gaza, Israeli forces also carried out operations in the occupied West Bank. In the eastern city of Jericho, 24-year-old Saeed Na’el al-Sheikh was shot and killed during a raid late Tuesday, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. Three others were wounded in the incident, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said.
Additional clashes elsewhere in the West Bank left six more Palestinians injured, including people who were shot, beaten by soldiers, or struck by a military vehicle.
Together, the developments underscored the fragility of the ceasefire and the growing humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians across Gaza and the occupied territories.
By The Midtown Times Staff
Published Feb. 4, 2026
