Gaza: Eight Palestinians killed in separate Israeli strikes

At least eight Palestinians died in two separate Israeli military attacks on the Gaza Strip on Sunday. Medics reported that three people were killed in an airstrike targeting Gaza City.

The Hamas-run interior ministry stated that five police officers were killed in a second strike in western Khan Younis, located in the southern part of the enclave. The Israeli military confirmed it targeted several militants in Khan Younis but did not immediately comment on the strike in Gaza City.

Israel has increased its attacks on the Hamas militant group in recent weeks. The Israeli government says Hamas is rearming and launching attacks in violation of a ceasefire that took effect one year ago. Hamas denies it is rebuilding its arsenal or planning new attacks, instead accusing Israel of undermining the peace deal.

The US-brokered ceasefire calls for the eventual reconstruction of the territory. Negotiators have not yet agreed on terms for Hamas to disarm or for Israel to withdraw its troops. Israeli forces currently control about two-thirds of the territory and have ordered residents to leave those areas.

More than 2 million residents live in the remaining third of the enclave, which remains under effective Hamas control. Many live in makeshift tents or damaged buildings. Health officials in Gaza say at least 1,500 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire began. Israel reports that four soldiers have died during this period.

Palestinian authorities state that more than 74,000 people have been killed in Israel’s assault on Gaza since the conflict began on October 7, 2023.