At least 12 people were killed in overnight Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip, according to the Hamas-run civil defense agency. Media reports indicate that among the dead was a senior commander with Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Escalating Tensions and Ceasefire Violations
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had not immediately commented on the strikes, but a military official stated they followed a ceasefire violation by terror operatives. Late Saturday night, the IDF reported killing five gunmen who approached troops on the Israeli side of the Yellow Line, characterizing this as a “blatant violation” of the existing ceasefire.
The IDF has previously responded to attacks on troops in Gaza during the current ceasefire – which has been in place since October – with waves of strikes targeting Hamas and allied terror groups.
Senior Commander Killed
Palestinian media reports detailed an Israeli airstrike in western Gaza City’s Tel al-Hawa that killed a senior commander in the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and wounded others. The commander was identified as Sami al-Dahdouh, 56, by media outlets including the PIJ-affiliated Palestine Today channel.
Dahdouh’s three brothers, including former Quds Brigades commander Khaled Dahdouh, were reportedly killed in separate Israeli attacks in Gaza approximately two decades ago. The identities of other individuals reported killed in Sunday’s strikes were not immediately released.
The Gaza civil defense agency, operating as a rescue force under Hamas authorities, reported strikes hitting a tent of displaced people in northern Gaza and another area in the south. Five people were killed and several injured in a strike targeting a tent sheltering displaced people in Jabalia, in northern Gaza, according to the agency.
Osama Abu Askar, whose nephew was reportedly killed in the Jabalia strike, stated, “Israel doesn’t understand ceasefires or truces.” He added, “We’ve been living under a truce for months, and they’ve still targeted us. Israel operates on this principle — saying one thing and doing another.”
Five more people were killed and several injured in a separate early-morning strike in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, according to Nasser Hospital in the city. Rami Shaqra stated his son, al-Baraa, was among a group of gunmen killed while “securing the area” during the strike. Footage from the morgue showed at least two of the men wearing headbands indicating membership in Hamas’s military wing.
One person was also killed by Israeli gunfire in Beit Lahia, in north Gaza, according to the civil defense agency. Reports did not differentiate between civilians and terror operatives.
Nasser Hospital and Aid Group Dispute
Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders announced it was suspending nonessential activities at Nasser Hospital due to the presence of gunmen. The hospital subsequently accused the aid group, known by its French acronym MSF, of “aiding in manufacturing consent” for potential attacks on the medical center.
The hospital claimed the armed men present are police acting to “secure safety for the staff and patients” and are engaged in “protective, civilian and lawful” action. MSF had reported a “recent situation of suspicion of movement of weapons” and alleged armed men were arresting patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the recent Israeli strikes?
According to a military official, the strikes came after a ceasefire violation by terror operatives. The IDF reported killing five gunmen the previous night who approached troops on the Yellow Line.
Who was Sami al-Dahdouh?
Sami al-Dahdouh was a senior commander in the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad. He was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City.
What is the status of Doctors Without Borders’ operations at Nasser Hospital?
Doctors Without Borders has suspended nonessential activities at Nasser Hospital due to the presence of gunmen. The hospital has accused the aid group of misrepresenting facts and potentially contributing to attacks on the facility.
As the situation remains volatile, will the recent strikes lead to a further escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas?
