At least one Palestinian has been killed by Israeli firing in the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours. The incident comes at a time when thousands of seriously ill and injured people are waiting to be flown out for treatment. Due to the strict restrictions imposed at Rafa crossing, these patients are not able to get immediate medical help and the situation there remains very tense.
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Where were the attacks in Gaza in recent days?
On Wednesday, 18 February 2026, 20-year-old Muhand Jamal al-Najjar was shot dead by Israeli forces in the eastern area of Khan Yunis. Medical sources at Nasir Hospital have confirmed this death. According to eyewitnesses, there was heavy firing from Israeli military vehicles deployed in the area. The Israeli military has not yet issued any statement on this particular incident.
Even before this, several fatal incidents have occurred in the last few days:
16 February: A Palestinian was killed by Israeli shelling in the Shujaiya area of Gaza City.
15 February: At least four people were killed in the airstrike on tents of displaced families.
8 February: Two Palestinians were killed in separate incidents in the northern and central Gaza Strip.
What is the situation at the Rafah crossing and the patients?
The Rafah crossing, which is vital to the people of Gaza, was partially opened in early February 2026, about 11 months later. Its purpose was to send out patients with medical emergencies. According to figures from Gaza’s Health Ministry, about 20,000 Palestinians need to be sent out immediately for treatment, but very few are getting permission.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that since the opening of the crossing, only 260 patients have been evacuated. It is estimated that more than 18,500 people are still waiting for treatment that is not available inside Gaza. Health officials have warned that the current process is too slow and puts the lives of thousands of people at direct risk.
What do the army and international organizations have to say?
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated in relation to recent incidents that their troops fired on suspects who were approaching their forces in violation of the terms of the current ceasefire agreement. On the other hand, the Palestinian Health Ministry has expressed concern over the situation at the Rafah crossing and appealed for help from the international community.
Organizations like the United Nations (UN) and WHO have described the humanitarian situation as very serious. He has said that there are challenges in providing aid and there is a dire need for medical evacuation. Despite the US-backed ceasefire agreement in effect from October 2025, there are continuous reports of violence in many places.