Hunger and malnutrition stalk Gazans, a year on from ceasefire

Fida al-Toutah, a mother of five, was shot and killed in Gaza during a ceasefire in September. Her son Ezz found her with bloodied hands, realizing she had been hit by gunfire. Over 1,400 people have died in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire began on October 10th last year. The ceasefire, which involved releasing thousands of Palestinians held by Israel and ending the war triggered by Hamas, brought relief but has seen daily Israeli strikes in Gaza.

Israel claims it is targeting Hamas operatives, while Hamas accuses Israel of ceasefire violations. Since the war began three years ago, over 74,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks. Fida's brother Ibrahim points to bullet holes in her tent, describing Israeli forces firing from vehicles and quadcopters. In the same area, 14-year-old Ismail al-Bardawil was also killed while fishing near the shore.

The family has moved seven times, but safety is elusive. Most of Gaza's population has been displaced multiple times. The population is squeezed into under 40% of the territory, controlled by Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the IDF to increase Israel's control over Gaza to 70%. Despite the ceasefire, there are few options for safe relocation.