Israeli Strikes Kill Two in Gaza, Including Police Chief
Israeli airstrikes killed two Palestinians and injured several others in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, marking the first reported fatalities in more than a week. The military actions occurred as the Israeli military scaled back targeted operations across the enclave under pressure from the United States.
Deadly Khan Younis and Gaza City Strikes Break Lull
Motorbike Hit Followed by Vehicle Drone Attack
Palestinian medics reported that the initial strike targeted two individuals riding on a motorbike in a western area of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. According to medics, one person was killed and another was wounded in the attack. The Israeli military stated that the Khan Younis airstrike targeted a Hamas commander planning an attack against its troops. Later on Thursday, an Israeli drone launched three missiles at a vehicle driving in western Gaza City. Medics and witnesses confirmed the strike killed Jamal Abu Kmail, the head of the Gaza City police force, and critically wounded two other people. The Hamas-led interior ministry confirmed the death in a statement, describing the incident as an assassination. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the Gaza City strike.
Casualties Mount Following October Ceasefire
The latest casualties add to a mounting death toll since a U.S.-backed ceasefire halted two years of full-scale war in October. According to security and health officials, Israeli fire has killed more than 1,250 Palestinians in the enclave, most of them civilians, alongside four Israeli soldiers.
Diplomatic Friction Overshadows Operational Scaling
The military operations coincide with broader diplomatic friction surrounding regional security proposals. U.S. President Donald Trump announced a breakthrough last month regarding a plan to end the war, which envisions Israeli withdrawals while Hamas disarms and an International Stabilization Force works with a new Palestinian police force. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected the framework during televised remarks to his right-wing government, maintaining his position despite the military’s localized scaling back of operations. Meanwhile, Hamas stated it agreed to the plan to avoid a resumption of war, contingent on Israel first fulfilling its commitments regarding withdrawal and halting attacks.