Israeli forces have launched a devastating air strike on a police post in northern Gaza, killing at least seven people, including a senior Hamas-run officer. The attack, which targeted a busy market area in Jabalia, has sparked widespread condemnation from Palestinian leaders and raised concerns about the fragile security situation in the region.
The police post was struck by an Israeli drone firing four missiles on Tuesday. Colonel Mohammed Marwan Salem, head of the local police station, was among those killed, according to the Hamas-run interior ministry, which described the incident as a "massacre". An Israeli military official confirmed that the target had been "terrorists", amidst ongoing accusations from both sides of ceasefire violations.
As tensions escalate, two separate incidents on Tuesday resulted in further fatalities. In Khan Younis, an air strike killed one man and injured three others, with the Israeli military stating it targeted a Hamas operative. Meanwhile, a 10-year-old boy was shot dead by Israeli gunfire in Rafah, leaving his family distraught.
The conflict began last October, following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. The subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza has led to the deaths of more than 73,230 people, according to Gaza's health ministry. Since the October ceasefire, at least 1,110 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, while four Israeli soldiers have died in Palestinian attacks.
The UK government has warned against all travel to Gaza and advises British nationals to leave if safe to do so. The escalating violence highlights the profound humanitarian challenges facing the region, with the international community watching closely for signs of a lasting resolution.