Medics in Gaza report five killed in Israeli airstrikes

Israeli strikes killed five people in Gaza on Tuesday, according to medics and local authorities, as the Israeli military claimed it targeted Hamas “military operatives.” The attacks occurred west of Gaza City, with reports of multiple casualties from both aerial bombardments and drone strikes. At least four individuals were killed in the initial strike, including two children, while another child died in separate Israeli fire in central Gaza. A fifth fatality was recorded in a subsequent strike, bringing the total number of casualties to five. The Israeli military stated that its actions were aimed at eliminating threats to its security forces, citing ongoing operations against Hamas. In a statement, the military said it struck several targets in the Gaza Strip to neutralize perceived dangers. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized the country’s policy of proactively pursuing Hamas terrorists, stating, “we do not wait for threats, but rather pursue Hamas terrorists, thwart them, and destroy their terror infrastructure.” Meanwhile, Hamas accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement that took effect in October 2025. This agreement, backed by the United States, was meant to halt large-scale fighting that had devastated the enclave. However, Israeli strikes continue, with the military asserting they are necessary to prevent attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups. The ceasefire has not stopped the conflict entirely, and violence persists in the region. Gaza health officials reported that more than 1,300 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began. These figures come from the Palestinian territory’s health ministry, which operates under Hamas authority and is considered reliable by the United Nations. The Israeli military, meanwhile, reported five deaths among its personnel and one civilian contractor during the same period. The incidents unfolded amid heightened tensions between Israeli forces and Hamas. According to Hamas officials, Israeli special forces attempted to conduct a covert operation in Gaza City before being discovered. This led to heavy air strikes, resulting in civilian casualties. Witnesses described the destruction caused by Israeli warplanes, which fired at least 12 missiles near the Katiba area in western Gaza City. The blasts hit two vehicles, reducing them to twisted wreckage, and forced families to flee from the area, including those seeking refuge in a nearby kindergarten. In addition to the main strikes, medics reported that Israeli forces operating east of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza opened fire on the area, killing a girl named Israa Al-Hissi and injuring two others. The Israeli military later claimed it targeted Hamas' military wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam brigades, in both strikes. It promised to release further details on the operations at a later date. The situation highlights the continued volatility of the conflict despite the ceasefire. While the agreement sought to reduce hostilities, it has not prevented sporadic attacks and retaliatory strikes. The Israeli military maintains that these operations are essential for national security, even as Hamas and its supporters accuse Israel of breaking the terms of the agreement. The aftermath of the strikes saw ambulances rushing to the scene, with hospitals reporting multiple casualties. Civil defense teams, operating under Hamas authority, confirmed the death toll and assisted in recovering victims. Images shared by the civil defense showed the extent of the damage, with one vehicle reduced to a charred shell of twisted metal. Residents described the chaos and fear that followed the attacks, particularly in densely populated areas where civilians were caught in the crossfire. The Israeli military continues to justify its actions as necessary for protecting its citizens and dismantling terrorist networks. Meanwhile, the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict remains severe, with thousands displaced and countless lives affected. As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely, awaiting further developments in this complex and volatile conflict.