On Sunday, 26 January 2025, five Palestinians, including a child, were injured by Israeli occupation forces who opened fire on a group of displaced Palestinians gathered on Al-Rashid Street in central Gaza. The displaced individuals were waiting for permission to return to Gaza City and northern governorates as stipulated by the ceasefire agreement.
A medical source at Al-Awda Hospital in Al-Nuseirat refugee camp reported that the injured individuals were among those gathered at Al-Nuweiri Hill west of the camp. The injuries ranged from moderate to severe, highlighting the dangers faced by those seeking to return to their homes.
Eyewitnesses reported that hundreds of displaced Palestinians spent the night in the open at Al-Nuweiri Hill, enduring harsh weather conditions. The site marks the last accessible point westward before crossing into Gaza City. Witnesses also confirmed that Israeli military vehicles stationed at the Netzarim axis—separating northern and southern Gaza—opened fire on the crowd as they awaited the army’s withdrawal to allow their return.
This assault is part of a broader pattern of Israeli crimes committed during the genocidal war on Gaza. According to international human rights reports, the ongoing Israeli aggression from 7 October 2023 to 19 January 2025 has resulted in over 158,000 Palestinians killed or injured, most of them women and children, with more than 14,000 still missing under the rubble.
The areas affected by the onslaught suffer from massive destruction of infrastructure and residential homes. United Nations reports estimate that clearing the debris caused by Israeli bombardments could take decades and will require substantial international support.
The continuation of such violations underscores the occupation’s blatant disregard for its obligations under international humanitarian law, which prohibits targeting civilians, as well as its repeated breaches of the ceasefire agreement.
