An Israeli airstrike in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of five Palestinians, including four women, early on Saturday, according to officials from the health and civil defense services. The Israeli military stated later that they targeted an apartment in Gaza in an effort to eliminate Ali al-Amoudi, reportedly the head of Hamas’ political office in Gaza.
The exact connection between this strike and the fatalities is currently unclear, with the military stating that the outcomes are being assessed, while Hamas has not yet issued a response. The airstrike caused significant damage to the apartment building and triggered a fire.
An eyewitness, Ahmed Al-Dahdouh, described the harrowing experience of waking up to the sounds of explosions and witnessing the destruction caused by the strike. Among the casualties were a Christian mother and her daughter, as confirmed by medics.
Israel, alleging that Hamas has been violating the ceasefire by rearming and launching attacks, has intensified its operations against the group recently. Hamas refutes the claims of aggression and states that Israel is obstructing the peace agreement in Gaza.
Health officials in Gaza have reported that over 1,400 Palestinians have died due to Israeli actions since the ceasefire last October, while Israel states that four of its soldiers were killed by Gaza militants during the same period.
The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants invaded Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals.
Despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. last year, progress towards reconstruction in Gaza has been limited, with unresolved issues such as Hamas disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawal. The situation remains tense in the region, with ongoing accusations and denials between the parties involved.