At least nine Palestinians were killed and several others injured in a series of Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, amid continued bombardment and growing concerns over repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement.

According to Palestinian media and medical sources, one of the attacks targeted the al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City, where an Israeli airstrike reportedly killed one civilian and wounded several others, including Azzam al-Hayya, the son of senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya.

In another attack, an Israeli drone strike hit civilians near the Jabaliya transport station in the densely populated al-Daraj area east of Gaza City. Local sources cited by Quds News Network said the strike targeted a crowded civilian location near a major intersection, killing one Palestinian and injuring several others.

Victims were rushed to the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, where medical teams have been struggling to cope with the increasing number of casualties under worsening humanitarian conditions.

The attack came shortly after another Israeli strike on Salah al-Din Street in the al-Zeitoun neighborhood reportedly killed three Palestinians and left several others critically wounded. Medical personnel at Baptist Hospital issued urgent appeals for blood donations as emergency departments became overwhelmed.

Death toll rises amid ceasefire violations

Palestinian medical sources stated that the number of Palestinians killed since Wednesday morning had risen to at least nine as Israeli bombardments continued across multiple areas of Gaza.

The Gaza Health Ministry said Israeli attacks and ceasefire violations since the truce came into effect on October 10 have killed at least 837 Palestinians and wounded more than 2,381 others.

Civil defense crews and rescue workers continue operating under extremely difficult conditions, with repeated strikes targeting densely populated civilian neighborhoods already devastated by months of war.

Expansion of Israeli-controlled zones raises alarm

Separately, new reports indicated that Israeli occupation forces have expanded the areas under their effective control inside Gaza beyond the so-called “Yellow Line” established after the ceasefire agreement.

According to Reuters, Israeli authorities circulated updated maps to humanitarian organizations in mid-March outlining a newly expanded restricted zone referred to as the “Orange Line.”

The reports indicated that the newly restricted areas account for approximately 11 percent of Gaza’s territory beyond the original ceasefire boundaries. Israeli media outlet i24NEWS also reported that occupation forces gradually pushed the “Yellow Line” westward through excavation and bulldozing operations, effectively expanding Israeli-controlled territory deeper into Gaza.

According to those reports, Israel now exercises control over nearly 60 percent of the Gaza Strip.

International criticism grows

Palestinian analysts and international observers warned that the expansion of restricted zones appears aimed at imposing new realities on the ground and gradually undermining the ceasefire framework through territorial encroachment.

The European Union reportedly criticized Israeli attempts to expand control inside Gaza and called for respect for the ceasefire agreement, unrestricted humanitarian aid access, and preservation of the territorial unity of Palestinian land.

Meanwhile, Israeli media reports suggested occupation officials are discussing further territorial expansion if Washington approves renewed military operations in Gaza.

According to reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently held discussions regarding the next phase of operations related to Gaza, while Israeli officials reportedly continue using Hamas’ refusal to disarm as a justification for possible future military escalation.

Despite the ongoing threats, Palestinian factions maintain that resistance remains tied to ending the occupation and securing Palestinian rights, while humanitarian organizations continue warning that the worsening violence and territorial expansion are pushing Gaza deeper into catastrophe. (ILKHA)