Health officials also reported the death of another 9 year-old boy in Gaza Thursday, but the circumstances were not clear. As 2026 begins, the shaky 12-week-old ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has largely ended large-scale Israeli bombardment of Gaza. At least three Israeli soldiers have died in Gaza since the ceasefire came down, killed by militant attacks or explosive detonations. UNICEF said Thursday that 7-year-old Ata Mai had drowned Saturday in severe flooding that engulfed his tent camp in Gaza City. The Israeli military says it fires warning shots if someone crosses the line and fires at anyone judged to be posing a threat to troops.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 01, 2026 23:59 UTC