Israeli Strikes Kill Eight in Gaza, Including Child, Hospitals Report

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least eight people, including a child, according to hospital officials. The strikes occurred in Gaza City and the southern city of Khan Younis, despite a ceasefire that has been in effect for approximately one year.

In Gaza City, hospital officials reported that a missile attack in the Al-Rimal neighborhood struck a group of civilians near Cairo School, killing three individuals, one of whom was a child. In Khan Younis, the Hamas-run ministry of interior stated that a drone attack targeted five police officers while they were on duty in the Al-Mawasi area, resulting in their deaths. The ministry identified the officers and characterized the attack as a "horrific massacre" by Israeli forces.

The Israeli military confirmed carrying out two attacks on what it described as military operatives but has not yet provided further details or evidence.

Since the current ceasefire began in October of the previous year, Israeli air strikes have reportedly continued on a near-daily basis. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations, states that 1,580 people have been killed since the ceasefire took effect. Israel has maintained that its targets are Hamas operatives, though civilian casualties have been reported.

The broader conflict, triggered by a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken, has led to significant loss of life in Gaza. According to the territory's health ministry, 74,594 people have been killed in Gaza since the war commenced. A peace plan for Gaza, brokered by the Trump administration, has reportedly stalled amidst the ongoing conflict.