Medical authorities in Gaza reported Tuesday that four people, including one child, were killed when Israeli forces conducted an airstrike targeting a police vehicle in Gaza City, marking another deadly incident amid ongoing tensions despite a ceasefire arrangement.
According to medical personnel and eyewitnesses, the strike occurred on Nafaq Street, where the targeted police vehicle burst into flames. Local residents and emergency responders immediately mobilized to search for survivors and casualties in the area. Officials have not confirmed how many of those killed were police officers.
Israeli military officials have not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding the incident.
The current ceasefire, which went into effect last October, brought an end to two years of intense warfare but has left Israeli forces maintaining control over a largely evacuated area comprising more than half of Gaza’s territory. Hamas continues to govern the remaining narrow coastal region.
Since October, Israel has intensified operations targeting Hamas-controlled police and security personnel, resulting in dozens of deaths according to Hamas officials who spoke to Reuters. The group claims Israel is deliberately attempting to create disorder and lawlessness in the territory.
Israeli officials maintain their operations are designed to prevent attacks from Hamas and other armed groups operating in the region.
Statistics show that more than 750 Palestinians have lost their lives since the ceasefire agreement began, while militant groups have killed four Israeli military personnel. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the ceasefire terms.
Palestinian authorities also claim that Israeli forces have been expanding their occupied territory, an allegation that Israel disputes.
