An Israeli airstrike on a residential area in Gaza City has killed at least 10 Palestinians, including four children, according to local health officials. More than 20 others were reportedly injured in the late-night attack as violence continues across the territory despite an ongoing ceasefire agreement.
The strike targeted a residential building in northern Gaza on Wednesday, adding to growing fears among civilians about the worsening security situation. Witnesses and local residents said several children had been playing in a nearby park shortly before the explosion occurred.
Reporting from Gaza City, journalists said many Palestinian families remain fearful of leaving their homes or displacement camps because of the continuing air raids. Residents described widespread anxiety and uncertainty as Israeli military operations continue in different parts of the enclave.
The latest attack came only hours after the funeral of Mohammad Odeh, who was recently appointed head of the armed wing of Hamas. Odeh was killed in an Israeli strike on Tuesday along with his wife and son. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Odeh had previously served as Hamas’s intelligence chief during the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Odeh had reportedly taken over leadership of Hamas’s military wing following the recent killing of his predecessor, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, in another Israeli operation.
Relatives of the Hamas commander and local residents said living conditions in Gaza remain extremely difficult despite international efforts to maintain the ceasefire. Many Palestinians claim there has been little improvement in humanitarian conditions or security on the ground.
Local authorities in Gaza accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement that came into effect in October. According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, more than 3,000 alleged violations have occurred since the truce began, including military strikes and restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries.
Officials also claimed that only a fraction of the aid trucks promised under the ceasefire terms have been allowed into Gaza. According to the statement, around 49,000 aid trucks entered the territory out of more than 135,000 that were expected, significantly limiting access to food, medicine, and other essential supplies.
Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise as both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of undermining the ceasefire, raising concerns that the conflict could once again escalate into full-scale war.