Israeli Strike in Central Gaza Kills Three as Ceasefire Remains Fragile
Deir Al Balah— An Israeli airstrike targeting a militant in central Gaza killed three Palestinians, including an 8-year-old child, on Monday after striking a tent sheltering displaced people in Deir Al-Balah, according to Gaza health authorities and the Israeli military.
Health authorities in Gaza said the strike hit a neighborhood in Deir Al-Balah, one of the least damaged towns in the central Gaza Strip. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital reported that two men and an 8-year-old child were killed, while another man was injured.
The Israeli military said the strike targeted Zaher Abu Salem, whom it identified as a member of the Islamic Jihad militant group. Israel alleged that Abu Salem had participated in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.
Although large-scale fighting has declined since a ceasefire took effect in October, Israeli forces have continued conducting airstrikes against what they describe as militant targets. Israeli authorities announced several such operations over the weekend, saying they were aimed at militants involved in attacks and other ceasefire violations.
According to Gaza health officials, 1,045 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire began. The Hamas-run Health Ministry, which maintains casualty records widely cited by United Nations agencies and independent researchers, does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its public casualty figures.
Israeli officials say militants have continued carrying out attacks against Israeli troops, prompting military responses. Israel has reported that five of its soldiers have been killed since the ceasefire took effect.
The conflict began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Gaza’s Health Ministry says Israel’s subsequent military campaign has killed more than 73,058 Palestinians, including those killed after the ceasefire came into force.
