Israeli strikes across Gaza killed at least two dozen Palestinians between July 17 and 19, 2026, according to Gaza's Health Ministry and civil defense agency, with attacks reported on residential buildings and a funeral procession at a market in Nuseirat refugee camp [1][4][7][9][10][13][15][16][17].
Medical sources at Al-Shifa and Al-Ahli Baptist hospitals reported receiving the bodies of three Palestinians killed by artillery fire near the Dawla roundabout in Zeitoun, east of Gaza City [1]. An Israeli air strike killed six people in an apartment building on Jamal Abdel Nasser Street in Gaza City [10]. Israeli artillery killed a Palestinian woman and wounded several others in Zeitoun [16]. Al-Awda hospital confirmed that a strike on a funeral in Nuseirat killed at least seven people and wounded 22 [7][15], though one source reports eight killed [4]. A family of five, including three children, was killed in a residential apartment in northwest Gaza City, with civil defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal stating the family's only surviving member was a child who was not home at the time [17].
The Israeli army stated that its strikes targeted Hamas infrastructure and militant cells, including a Palestinian Islamic Jihad "terrorist cell" in central Gaza [4][9][15]. The IDF said it was aware of claims that civilians were harmed and that the results were under review [4][15]. The military issued evacuation warnings to residents ahead of what it called a "limited" operation in the Dawla area [1]. Hamas called the strike on the funeral a heinous crime [15].
Gaza's Health Ministry reported that at least 1,127 Palestinians, including at least 260 children, have been killed since the October ceasefire took effect [3][4][9][13], though some sources cite a figure of 1,123 [7][15]. The ministry reported that more than 73,000 have been killed since the war began [3][4][7][9][13][15]. The Israeli army reported that at least five Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the truce [4]. Civil defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal said that a genuine ceasefire means "the killing stops, the bombardment falls silent, children sleep without fear," but that in Gaza, airstrikes continue and civilians are still paying the price [3]. The UN stated that Palestinians are stuck in a nightmare difficult to reconcile with the existence of a truce [2].
A digital campaign under the hashtag "They Lied to You," launched on July 16, challenges the perception that the October 10, 2025 ceasefire ended the war [3]. Palestinian activist Osaid al-Kahlout said that "the sounds of explosions continue, along with the signs of destruction, the suffering of families, and the fear of children" [3]. The campaign argues that Israel has expanded its occupation to 70 percent of Gaza, contrary to the agreement's 53 percent limit [3]. Al Jazeera reported that Israel is conducting strikes beyond the "Yellow Line" agreed under the ceasefire, with Correspondent Hani Mahmoud describing the expansion as fragmenting Gaza and erasing urban life [13].
An independent UN inquiry found that Israel continues to commit genocide by deliberately targeting Palestinian children in Gaza [7]. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to establish three Nahal military outposts in northern Gaza, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced 1.3 billion shekels in funding for new settlements in the West Bank, with plans for three Gaza settlements awaiting Netanyahu's approval [11][14]. Deputy Chief of Staff Tamir Yadai briefed the defense minister that Israel controls 65 percent of Gaza and has killed over 70,000 "terrorists," a figure that appears to include 21,000 children [11][14]. The UN human rights office for Palestine published a report stating that settler violence is state violence [11][14].
Israeli civil society voices criticized the settlement push. Hagit Ofran of Peace Now said bulldozers are working on at least seven settlements to be populated before the election, calling it "a reckless pre-election sprint to raid the public purse and create facts on the ground" [11][14]. Settlement monitor Dror Etkes explained that Nahal outposts are a first phase to prepare for future civilian settlements, a method used to establish dozens of West Bank settlements [11][14]. West Bank military commander Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth told residents of extremist outposts that he considers them partners in security with the military [11][14].
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that his administration is in "active conversation" with the city's Law Department about whether he can order the NYPD to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his expected September visit for the UN General Assembly [5][6][12][18][20][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32]. Mamdani said, "I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in the Hague. He's a war criminal who has been charged by the International Criminal Court" [5][18][20][24][32]. Mamdani also stated, "Whatever the law allows me to do in New York City, that's what we will do, but we won't be writing our own laws to that end" [23][25][27][28][30].
Netanyahu said he is not concerned and accused Mamdani of supporting Hamas, stating, "He's with the terror actors" [5][6][18][20]. Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon accused Mamdani of inciting hostility and said Netanyahu "will come to New York, address the United Nations General Assembly with pride" [5][6][18][23][24][25][26][28][32]. Israeli Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis said the mayor does not have the authority to order the arrest and should focus on running New York City [28]. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz called Mamdani's remarks "pure political theater," citing the U.S. not being a party to the ICC, the UN Headquarters Agreement, head-of-state immunity, and federal supremacy [19].
Legal analyses diverge on the question. A University of Miami International and Comparative Law Review analysis argued that municipal enforcement of an ICC warrant is unconstitutional, conflicts with federal supremacy over foreign affairs, and is complicated by head-of-state immunity, noting the introduction of the "Sovereign Enforcement Integrity Act" in Congress [21]. A Cambridge Law Journal analysis contended that under ICC jurisprudence, including the Mongolia Cooperation Decision, head-of-state immunity does not bar cooperation with ICC arrest warrants [22]. Hungary's then-incoming Prime Minister Peter Magyar was cited as stating that Hungary will execute ICC warrants against anyone [5].
Separately, Israeli ministers advanced a plan to surround prisons holding Palestinian detainees with crocodile-infested moats, with Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman signing a decree reclassifying the Nile crocodile from a protected wild animal to a cared-for wild animal [8]. National Security Minister Ben Gvir proposed the plan to reduce security costs, while Israel's Nature and Parks Authority objected, arguing that crocodiles may only be kept for educational and scientific research purposes [8]. Physicians for Human Rights Israel reported that 105 Palestinians have died in detention between October 2023 and June 2026 [8].
The ceasefire's status remains contested as strikes continue and talks to advance the deal have stalled [2]. Netanyahu is expected to visit New York for the UN General Assembly in September [5][18][20], while Mamdani's legal review is ongoing [27][28].