Gaza Ceasefire Falters as Israeli Fire Kills Palestinians, Worsening Humanitarian Crisis

`keyword`Israeli` forces have killed at least two `keyword`Palestinians` in the Gaza Strip, according to local reports, further straining a U.S.-brokered ceasefire as desperately needed humanitarian aid continues to be blocked. The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported on Monday, `date`December 22`, that two people were killed after troops opened fire in the Shujayea neighborhood of eastern Gaza City. Their deaths bring the total number of `keyword`Palestinians` reported killed in the last `stat`24 hours` to at least `stat`12`.

Ceasefire Under Systematic Violation

The attack is the latest alleged violation of the truce between `keyword`Israel` and `keyword`Hamas`, which came into effect on `date`October 10`. Gaza’s Government Media Office on Monday condemned what it called `keyword`Israel`'s “serious and systematic violations,” claiming the ceasefire had been breached `stat`875 times` since it began. The office cited continued `keyword`Israeli` air and artillery attacks, demolitions of civilian infrastructure, and at least `stat`265 incidents` of troops shooting at civilians.

In a statement, the office added that at least `stat`411` `keyword`Palestinians` have been killed and `stat`1,112` others wounded in `keyword`Israeli` attacks since the ceasefire started. `keyword`Israel` has not immediately commented on these specific allegations.

Aid Blockade and Winter Storms Deepen Misery

The humanitarian situation, already dire, is worsening amid a series of winter storms. The `keyword`United Nations` and other aid groups state that `keyword`Israel` has systematically failed to allow unimpeded aid deliveries. According to the Gaza Government Media Office, only `stat`17,819` aid trucks have entered the territory since October, out of a planned `stat`43,800`. This averages just `stat`244 trucks per day`, significantly below the `stat`600` `keyword`Israel` reportedly agreed to allow.

On Monday, a spokesperson for `keyword`UN` chief Antonio Guterres reiterated the call “for the lifting of all restrictions of the entry of aid into Gaza, including shelter material.” The spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, noted that `keyword`UN` partners are working to improve shelter for approximately `stat`1.3 million` displaced people, with about `stat`3,500` families now living in flood-prone areas after recent storms.