An Israeli airstrike conducted in the Gaza Strip on Sunday resulted in the deaths of at least two Palestinians in a vehicle, with 13 others sustaining injuries, as reported by medical personnel. The strike, which took place in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood in western Gaza City, caused severe damage to the vehicle, as depicted in videos shared on social media. Local medical staff, speaking to Reuters, appealed for assistance in identifying the two deceased individuals, whose bodies were severely impacted by the explosion.
The Israeli military stated that the airstrike was aimed at two Hamas militants, but provided no further details. Despite a U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement reached last October that curbed major hostilities in Gaza, Israeli airstrikes have persisted, with minimal progress towards achieving a lasting peace.
Hamas has accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire and impeding efforts to implement U.S. President Donald Trump’s comprehensive plan to resolve the Gaza conflict, which involves Israel’s withdrawal from the territory and the disarmament of Hamas. In response, Israel has alleged that Hamas has been violating the terms of the agreement.
According to health officials in Gaza, over 1,300 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, have lost their lives since the ceasefire came into effect, while the Israeli military reports that four of its soldiers have been killed. Hamas typically does not disclose information regarding casualties among its members.
The conflict in Gaza originated following Hamas-led assaults on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 others, according to Israeli sources. Subsequently, Israel’s military operations claimed the lives of more than 73,000 Palestinians before the ceasefire was implemented, as stated by Gaza health authorities.
