Violence and deaths continue in Gaza, nine months after the ceasefire, with Israel controlling nearly 70% of territory

Jul 8, 2026

Despite a United States-brokered ceasefire established on October 10, 2025, violence continues in Gaza, where over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed and Israel has expanded its military control to nearly 70% of the territory. While Israel's COGAT reports that 1.78 million tons of food entered Gaza, local health officials warn of critical medical shortages. In response to the ongoing conflict, British politician Andy Burnham has called for restrictions on UK arms sales to Israel.

UK arms export restrictions

▪On July 9, 2026, British politician Andy Burnham stated that the United Kingdom must bar the sale of weapons that Israel would use in the West Bank and Gaza.
▪British politician Andy Burnham apologized on July 9, 2026, for the Labour Party's initial response to the Gaza war, stating the United Kingdom was too slow to call for a ceasefire.

Gaza ceasefire violence continues

▪In mid-March 2026, the Israeli military designated a new "orange zone" of control running north to south in Gaza, which requires aid groups to provide prior notification to enter.
▪On July 9, 2026, Israeli attacks and gunfire across the Gaza Strip killed at least six people, including the bodyguard of Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem.
▪More than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed across the Gaza Strip since the October 10, 2025 ceasefire began, according to Gaza's health ministry.
▪On July 8, 2026, an Israeli strike on a humanitarian vehicle killed World Central Kitchen driver Ahmad Nasser Saleem as he transported aid in Gaza.
▪The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories reported that approximately 1.78 million tons of food entered Gaza between October 2025 and June 7, 2026.
▪Nine months after a United States-brokered ceasefire was established on October 10, 2025, the Israeli military has expanded its control to nearly 70% of the Gaza Strip.
▪Gaza's health ministry reported on July 9, 2026, that laboratory and blood bank supplies faced deficits of up to 87%, threatening to shut down diagnostic services.