At least 18 reported killed in Gaza as fragile ceasefire under strain

At least 18 people were reported killed by Israeli fire in Gaza on Wednesday after renewed fighting in the coastal territory.

The Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza said that at least 18 people were killed across the strip since the early morning, underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The Israeli military said it carried out several strikes in northern Gaza after Palestinians opened fire on Israeli soldiers.

An Israeli soldier was seriously wounded in the incident in the north of the territory, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The IDF said shots were fired by “terrorists” near the so-called “yellow line,” beyond which Israeli forces have withdrawn under the ceasefire agreement.

The Gaza health authority said four of the 18 deaths occurred in Israeli shelling in the south of the territory.

The Hamas-controlled civil defence agency said a 12-year-old child was among those killed. Asked about the incident, Israel’s military said it was investigating the reports.

Palestinian health officials also reported fatalities in several neighbourhoods of Gaza City in the north.

According to the civil defence authority, a baby was among those killed. It said tents housing displaced people and residential buildings were hit.

The claims by both sides could not be independently verified.

A ceasefire has been in place between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas since October 10, 2025.

Despite the agreement, there have been repeated deadly clashes, with both sides accusing the other of breaching its terms.