KEY POINTS
- Around 75,000 displaced Palestinians are sheltering in overcrowded and damaged facilities.
- Israeli artillery and air raids hit southern Gaza despite the ceasefire.
- UN chief urged Israel to stop attacks and called for a credible path toward a two-state solution.
- Gaza’s Health Ministry said 240 Palestinians have been killed since the truce began on Oct 10.
- US has sought the UN approval for the proposed international security force for Gaza.
- Qatar’s Emir condemned Israel’s “apartheid system” and urged global action to rebuild Gaza.
GAZA CITY, Palestine: Thousands of displaced Palestinians are crammed into damaged and overcrowded shelters across Gaza as Israeli strikes continue to pound parts of the besieged enclave despite a US-brokered ceasefire, according to UN and media reports.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said nearly 75,000 Palestinians are taking refuge in its buildings, many of which have been damaged.
“Overcrowded shelters in Gaza leave little space or privacy,” the UN agency said. “For many displaced women and girls, daily life means coping without dignity, safety, or adequate hygiene.”
Overcrowded shelters in #Gaza leave little space or privacy.
For many displaced women and girls, daily life means coping without dignity, safety, or adequate hygiene. Limited access to healthcare and basic hygiene supplies makes each day a struggle.
Every woman deserves… pic.twitter.com/1JCwnFE4ZL
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) November 3, 2025
Only seven percent of displaced families in southern Gaza have returned to their homes since the ceasefire, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Most continue to shelter in makeshift sites as about 81 percent of Gaza’s housing stock has been damaged or destroyed, satellite imagery shows.
Heavy Israeli shelling and drone attacks
Israeli artillery and air raids were reported in southern Gaza, particularly around Khan Younis and eastern Gaza City.
The Israeli strikes destroyed farms and homes despite the ceasefire terms, Al Jazeera reported. Residents reported drones and fighter jets circling overhead since early morning on Tuesday.
The Israeli military said its operations were aimed at “eliminating potential threats” near areas under its control, known as the “yellow line.”
The Gaza fishermen’s union said five Palestinian fishermen were arrested by Israeli forces off the coast of Gaza City and taken to an unknown location. No official statement has been issued by Israel.
US seeks UN approval for Gaza security force
The United States has circulated a draft resolution to UN Security Council members proposing the creation of an international enforcement force in Gaza for at least two years, Axios reported, citing a US official.
The draft outlines a mission to secure Gaza’s borders with Israel and Egypt, protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and train a new Palestinian police force.
The force would also seek to demilitarise Gaza by dismantling non-state armed groups and preventing the rebuilding of military infrastructure.
The first troops could be deployed as early as January if the resolution is approved in the coming weeks, according to Axios.
Qatar urges global support for Palestinians
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani called on the international community to “double down on efforts” to help Palestinians rebuild after years of Israeli bombardment.
Speaking at the World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Sheikh Tamim described Israel’s actions as an “apartheid system.”
“It’s impossible to achieve social development without peace and stability,” Sheikh Tamim said, urging reconstruction aid and sustained support for Palestinian livelihoods.
UN chief demands end to ceasefire violations
UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced “deep concern” over continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire.
Speaking at the Doha summit, Guterres urged all parties to “honour their commitments” under the truce and called for a “credible political path” towards a two-state solution.
“These violations must stop,” he said. “Let’s not forget the need to end the occupation and ensure peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
Gaza casualties mount despite truce
Despite the ceasefire that began on 10 October, Israeli attacks have continued. Gaza’s Health Ministry said 240 Palestinians have been killed and 607 wounded since the truce took effect.
Over 100 people, including 46 children, were killed within a 24-hour period last week alone.
Since October 2023, Israeli military offensive has killed at least 68,885 Palestinians in Gaza, the territory’s health ministry said.
Mental health professionals in Gaza warned of a “volcano” of psychological trauma among residents.
Abdallah al-Jamal, head of Gaza City’s Mental Health Hospital, told Reuters that the number of patients seeking care has surged since the ceasefire began. “The fear of visiting psychologists no longer exists,” he said. “People are desperate for help.”
Israel’s top military legal officer, Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, has been arrested after admitting she leaked a video showing Israeli soldiers assaulting a Palestinian detainee.
The Guardian reported she faces charges including fraud, abuse of office, and obstruction of justice.
Hamas to handover one hostage body
Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said it would hand over the remains of another Israeli hostage on Tuesday evening as part of the US-brokered truce.
The Palestinian group has so far returned 20 of 28 agreed bodies. Hamas said the process has been slow due to the destruction of Gaza and the need for the Red Cross assistance to recover remains buried under rubble.
In Jerusalem, Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under police protection, according to Quds News Network and Wafa. Palestinian officials described the visits as “provocative,” warning they risk fuelling new unrest.
Former Israeli diplomat Alon Liel told Al Jazeera that international engagement — particularly from the United States — remains crucial to prevent renewed conflict. “Nothing will move forward without daily American involvement,” he said.
