Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least seven Palestinians and wounded several others, according to medical officials and local reports, as renewed violence raises concerns about the durability of the ceasefire.
On Sunday, 25 October 2026, an Israeli strike hit the Islamic University campus in Gaza City, killing three people and injuring others.
Al-Shifa Hospital confirmed receiving three bodies and treating eight wounded people following the attack.
University sources said the victims were staff members and that students were among those injured.
Separate attacks were reported in Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah and northern Gaza, bringing the reported death toll for Sunday to seven.
The Israeli military said the university strike targeted suspected militants. Palestinian officials condemned the attack and raised concerns about the safety of students and educational facilities.
Israeli Strike Hits Islamic University in Gaza City
The Islamic University in Gaza City was among the locations struck during Sunday’s attacks.
According to Palestinian medical officials, an Israeli strike on the university campus killed three people.
The Palestinian news agency WAFA identified the victims as Ashraf Dahlan, Shadi Abu Ataya and Sami Baroud.
University sources described those killed as staff members.
Al-Shifa Hospital reported treating eight wounded people, including students.
The university had already suffered extensive damage during the conflict, leaving its educational facilities operating under difficult conditions.
The latest attack has raised further concerns about the ability of Palestinian students to continue their education safely.
Students Injured in Earlier Campus Attack
Reports indicate that the Islamic University was struck twice within several hours.
The earlier attack reportedly involved an Israeli drone targeting an area where students had gathered.
University officials said several students were injured, some seriously.
A subsequent strike killed three university staff members.
Following the attacks, the university announced the suspension of academic and administrative activities at its Gaza City premises.
The decision reflects the immediate security concerns facing students, teachers and employees.
Palestinian education officials condemned the attacks and called for greater international protection of educational institutions.
Israeli Military Says It Targeted Suspected Militants
The Israeli military provided a different explanation for the strike.
According to The Times of Israel, the military said it had targeted suspected militants at the university.
It indicated that it would provide further details.
At the time of the initial reports, publicly available information did not establish the identities or alleged activities of those targeted.
Palestinian university sources described the three people killed as staff members.
The competing accounts have not been fully reconciled through independent evidence.
Under international humanitarian law, attacks must distinguish between military objectives and civilians.
Educational buildings are civilian objects unless their use makes them military objectives under the applicable legal rules.
Even when a legitimate military objective is identified, the principles of proportionality and precautions in attack still apply.
Two Palestinians Killed in Khan Younis
Separate Israeli strikes were reported in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
Palestinian medical sources said two brothers were killed in an attack near the Asdaa area.
WAFA identified them as Alaa Ahmed Abu Zayed and Nabil Ahmed Abu Zayed.
Several other people were reportedly injured, including a child.
Medical officials said some injuries were serious.
Khan Younis has experienced extensive destruction and displacement during the conflict.
Many residents continue to face difficulties obtaining shelter, medical care and essential supplies.
Further attacks place additional pressure on communities already struggling with the consequences of prolonged fighting.
Israeli Drone Strike Kills Man Near Deir al-Balah
In central Gaza, an Israeli drone strike east of Deir al-Balah killed another Palestinian.
WAFA identified the victim as Hamdan Salman Abu Amra.
Local reports said the strike occurred in the al-Mazra’a area.
The circumstances surrounding the attack were not immediately clear.
Deir al-Balah has become an important location for displaced families and humanitarian activity during the conflict.
Continued military operations in and around the area raise concerns about civilian safety and access to assistance.
Another Palestinian Killed in Northern Gaza
Palestinian sources also reported a fatal attack near al-Rashid Street in northern Gaza.
WAFA identified the person killed as Fawzi Salem al-Sawarka.
Several other people were reportedly wounded.
Al-Rashid Street is an important coastal route connecting different parts of the Gaza Strip.
Attacks near transport routes can disrupt civilian movement and complicate humanitarian deliveries.
Additional reports described gunfire and military activity in other northern areas, including locations near Jabalia.
The precise circumstances of some incidents remain subject to verification.
Gaza Ceasefire Faces Renewed Pressure
The latest attacks have renewed concerns about the ceasefire agreement that took effect in October 2025.
The agreement was intended to reduce hostilities after two years of devastating conflict.
Although major fighting declined following the arrangement, Israeli military operations and other violent incidents have continued.
Palestinian officials accuse Israel of repeatedly violating the agreement.
Israel has maintained that some military operations are responses to security threats and attacks involving armed groups.
The latest incidents demonstrate the difficulties involved in maintaining a ceasefire when the parties continue to disagree over security arrangements and compliance.
Gaza Death Toll Continues to Rise
Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that since the October 2025 ceasefire took effect, more than 1,500 Palestinians have died.
The ministry also reported thousands of additional injuries during that period.
Since October 2023, the ministry has recorded more than 74,000 Palestinian deaths in the Gaza Strip.
Gaza’s health authorities attribute these figures to themselves and may revise them as they update their records.
The war began after the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli figures.
Israel subsequently launched a military campaign in Gaza.
The conflict has caused extensive destruction, mass displacement and severe humanitarian suffering.
Gaza’s Universities Face Extensive Destruction
The latest strike has brought renewed attention to the destruction of Gaza’s education system.
According to UNESCO figures cited in recent reporting, approximately 95% of Gaza’s higher education campuses have been damaged or destroyed since the war began.
University buildings have been damaged, educational materials lost and normal academic activities repeatedly interrupted.
Students have faced displacement, insecurity and limited access to classrooms.
Deaths, injuries and the destruction of educational infrastructure have also affected teachers and academic staff.
Restoring higher education will require rebuilding facilities, providing teaching materials and ensuring safe conditions for students and staff.
The attack on the Islamic University adds to concerns about the future of higher education in Gaza.
Humanitarian Conditions Remain Difficult
Beyond the immediate casualties, the continued violence is affecting Gaza’s humanitarian situation.
Many residents remain displaced, and violence has damaged essential infrastructure.
Access to healthcare, clean water, adequate shelter and food remains a serious concern.
Hospitals face pressure from ongoing injuries and the long-term consequences of the conflict.
Damage to roads and public facilities can make emergency responses more difficult.
Humanitarian organisations continue to call for safe access to affected communities.
The situation is particularly difficult for children, older people and those requiring regular medical treatment.
Calls for International Action
Palestinian officials and organisations have called for international intervention in response to the university attacks.
They have urged mediators and international bodies to ensure compliance with ceasefire arrangements and protect civilian infrastructure.
The protection of schools, universities and hospitals remains a major issue in discussions about the conflict.
International humanitarian law requires all parties to distinguish between civilians and combatants and to take precautions to minimise civilian harm.
Any credible investigation into the university strike would need to establish the circumstances of the attack, the intended target and the precautions taken.
What Happens Next?
The immediate priority is treating those injured in Sunday’s attacks and assessing the damage to the Islamic University.
University administrators will also need to determine when educational activities can safely resume.
Medical officials may provide further updates on casualties.
The Israeli military could release additional information about the reasons for the university strike.
Diplomatic attention will remain focused on preventing further violence and preserving the ceasefire.
However, the situation remains uncertain, and additional developments could change the reported casualty figures.
Conclusion
Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least seven Palestinians on 25 October 2026, according to Palestinian medical and local sources.
Three people were killed at the Islamic University in Gaza City, while four others reportedly died in separate attacks across the territory.
Students were among those injured, and the university suspended academic activities following the strikes.
The Israeli military said it had targeted suspected militants at the university, while Palestinian sources identified those killed as staff members.
The latest violence has renewed concerns about civilian protection, the destruction of educational facilities and the future of the Gaza ceasefire.
As investigations and medical assessments continue, attention remains focused on preventing further casualties and ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches affected communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were killed in Gaza on 25 October 2026?
At least seven Palestinians were reported killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip.
Was a university attacked in Gaza?
Yes. Israeli strikes hit the Islamic University campus in Gaza City.
How many people died at the Islamic University?
Three people were killed, according to Palestinian medical officials.
Were students injured in the university attack?
Yes. University and hospital sources reported injuries among students.
What did the Israeli military say?
The military said it targeted suspected militants at the university. Further details were not immediately available.
Where else were attacks reported?
Separate fatal attacks were reported in Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah and northern Gaza.
Is there still a ceasefire in Gaza?
A ceasefire agreement took effect in October 2025, but violent incidents and military operations have continued.
How much of Gaza’s higher education infrastructure has suffered damage?
UNESCO figures cited in reporting indicate that approximately 95% of Gaza’s higher education campuses have been damaged or destroyed.
