An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza on Friday led to the deaths of at least seven people, according to hospital officials. This attack adds to the recent increase in military actions within the region.
The Israeli military stated that the operation targeted members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which is recognized as the second-largest militant organization in Gaza. They acknowledged that there were claims of collateral damage involving “uninvolved individuals” during the attack. The military confirmed that they are assessing the results of this operation.
Despite a U.S.-backed ceasefire deal signed with Hamas in October, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have intensified recently. The focus of these actions, according to Israeli officials, is on participants from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad who were involved in the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. That attack resulted in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages, which escalated the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Hamas described the airstrike as an “ugly massacre” and claimed it was directed at a funeral procession, although it did not specify whose funeral it was.
The Awdeh Hospital, treating the victims, confirmed the death of seven individuals from the airstrike. Dr. Mohammed Salha, a physician at the hospital, reported an additional fatality in a separate incident on the same day.
Osama Hmaid, a resident of Nuseirat where the attack took place, remarked on the frequent strikes by Israel in his locality over recent days.