Gaza Ceasefires: A Cycle of Violence?

Israel’s declared ceasefires covering Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran coincided with a rise in military activity and settler incidents in Palestinian territories, according to reported incidents from late April 2026.

Between April 20 and April 27, 2026, Israeli strikes in Gaza were reported to have killed 40 Palestinians, including police officers and children. The same period also saw a surge in settler violence across the West Bank, with multiple fatal incidents and property destruction reported.

Strikes in Gaza reported during the ceasefire period

In Gaza, the April 20-27 window included what was described as some of the heaviest attacks on civilian and police-related sites since an October ceasefire. Reported incidents included a drone strike in Khan Younis on April 21 that killed three police officers.

On April 22, an air strike in Beit Lahiya was reported to have killed five people, including three children. On April 24, an attack on a police vehicle in Khan Younis was reported to have killed eight people.

Critics question whether ceasefires are limiting operations

These incidents were reported despite an official ceasefire, prompting criticism that ceasefire declarations may be serving as political cover while operations continue or intensify on the ground. The concerns focused on the pace of activity during a period that would typically be expected to show a reduction in violence.

The source material did not provide official explanations for the specific strikes listed, nor did it detail any investigative findings or independent verification for each incident. It also did not specify the terms, enforcement mechanisms, or monitoring arrangements tied to the declared ceasefires.

West Bank violence and fatalities reported in parallel

In the West Bank, multiple deadly incidents were reported during the same week. On April 21, a shooting in al-Mughayyir was reported to have killed two people, including a teenager.

Also on April 21, a vehicle linked to a security detail was reported to have struck and killed a 16-year-old near Hebron. On April 23, a 15-year-old was reported killed by Israeli forces in Nablus.

Demolitions, displacement, and Ireland’s compensation request

Separately, settlers were reported to have demolished a school and residential structures in Hammamat al-Maleh, displacing three households. Following that incident, Ireland was reported to have sought compensation from Israel.

The reports highlight uncertainty over how ceasefire declarations are being applied across different arenas and what practical protections they provide for civilians and local institutions. The source material did not indicate whether additional ceasefire-related talks, investigations, or policy changes were scheduled after April 27.