Israeli airstrikes, artillery pound Gaza on second day of Ramadan despite ceasefire

2026-02-19 - 12:32

Israeli fighter jets and artillery units carried out heavy strikes across the Gaza Strip Thursday, targeting eastern neighborhoods of Gaza City and areas in Khan Younis and Rafah on the second day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, witnesses reported. The attacks, which included illumination flares over Shujaiya and shelling of al-Mawasi west of Rafah, represent ongoing violations of the October 10 ceasefire agreement that halted Israel's two-year military offensive. Ceasefire Context and Continued Operations Despite the US-backed ceasefire in effect since October 10, Israeli forces have continued military operations, with Gaza's Health Ministry reporting at least 611 Palestinians killed and 1,630 injured since the agreement took effect. Thursday's strikes occurred as Palestinians observed Ramadan amid catastrophic conditions following the two-year war that has killed more than 72,000 people, mostly women and children, and destroyed approximately 90% of civilian infrastructure. Ramadan Observance Amid Ruins Palestinians in Gaza are marking Ramadan this year in the shadow of unprecedented destruction, with families praying in rubble-strewn neighborhoods and struggling to secure basic necessities. The Israeli offensive, launched October 8, 2023 with US support, has left the enclave's infrastructure devastated and living conditions severely strained despite the nominal ceasefire. Witnesses reported no immediate casualty figures from Thursday's strikes, as international calls for ceasefire compliance continue unanswered.