Israeli Airstrike Targets Police Post in Gaza
In a recent escalation, an Israeli airstrike has targeted a police post in northern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals. The casualties include a senior police officer and a woman, according to health and police officials in the region.
Local witnesses informed the BBC that the assault involved four missiles launched by an Israeli drone at a location near a bustling market in the Jabalia area. The interior ministry of Gaza, operated by Hamas, condemned the attack, labeling it a "massacre." Among the deceased was Col Mohammed Marwan Salem, the head of the local police station, along with several other officers.
Details of the Attack
The Israeli military identified Col Salem as a key figure in Hamas's Central Jabalia Battalion's military security. Alongside him, three individuals described as "terrorists" were also reported killed. These were identified as Abdul Malik al-Jabin, Ghassan al-Daqas, and Yaman Abu Obeida, with the first two mentioned as police officers.
Following the strike, casualties were transported to al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City. Mohammed Moussa, the uncle of another deceased officer, claimed his nephew was merely a civilian police officer on duty at the time of the attack.
"He was patrolling in a civilian vehicle when targeted by surveillance aircraft," Moussa told Reuters. "I want to understand: what was the purpose of targeting him?"
Additional Incidents in Southern Gaza
In other violent incidents on the same day, Israeli fire reportedly claimed two more lives in southern Gaza. In Khan Younis, a man was killed, and three others sustained injuries from an airstrike, as reported by medical personnel to Reuters. The Israeli military confirmed targeting a Hamas operative in that attack.
Moreover, in Rafah, a 10-year-old boy named Muataz Abu Shaar was reportedly killed by Israeli gunfire. His aunt, Suzan Abu Shaar, described the boy as "sitting in his tent, getting changed" when he was shot.
"He was her [his mother's] support. What is she supposed to do? May God grant her and her heart patience," she expressed. "Wherever we go, there is no safety. We want them to stop these massacres. We want them to stop the war."
Tensions Amid Ceasefire Violations
The current situation follows a period of heightened tensions, as both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of frequently breaching the ceasefire, which was established in October of the previous year. According to Gaza's health ministry, Israeli actions have resulted in the deaths of at least 1,110 individuals since the ceasefire began, while four Israeli soldiers have reportedly died in Palestinian attacks.
The ongoing conflict traces back to a major confrontation that began on October 7, 2023, when a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel led to roughly 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages being taken. In response, Israel initiated a military campaign in Gaza, leading to over 73,230 reported deaths, as per the territory's health ministry.
Source: Original Article
