Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Kill Senior Hamas and Islamic Jihad Figures Amid Fragile Ceasefire

At least ten people were killed on Thursday in a series of Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, including senior figures from Hamas and the militant group Islamic Jihad, according to Palestinian medical sources and local residents. The strikes come at a sensitive moment, just one day after the United States announced the start of the second phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Local medics reported that Ashraf Al-Khatib, a senior Islamic Jihad operative, was killed in the Nuseirat refugee camp, while a Hamas policeman died in Gaza City. Separately, a Hamas source confirmed that Mohammed Al-Holy, described as a local commander in the group’s armed wing, was killed earlier in Deir al-Balah. Health officials also said the casualties included a 16-year-old, highlighting ongoing concerns over civilian deaths in Gaza.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the strikes. Hamas, however, condemned the attack on the Al-Holy family, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire that has been in effect since October and attempting to reignite the conflict. The statement did not directly reference Mohammed Al-Holy or his alleged role within Hamas.

Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of breaching the ceasefire, underscoring how fragile the agreement remains. Since the truce began, more than 400 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have reportedly been killed. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces continue to operate in parts of Gaza, having destroyed large swathes of infrastructure and ordered evacuations from more than half of the territory.

Nearly all of Gaza’s more than two million residents are now living in makeshift shelters or damaged buildings in areas where Israeli troops have withdrawn and Hamas has reasserted control. The United Nations children’s agency said over 100 children have been killed since the ceasefire, including victims of drone and quadcopter attacks.

Israel launched its military campaign following the Hamas-led October 2023 attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel. Gaza health authorities say at least 71,000 people have been killed since then, leaving the enclave devastated and deepening the humanitarian crisis.