By Elsie Kamsiyochi
Fresh Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip have left at least four Palestinians dead, according to local medics, marking another escalation in a conflict that continues to devastate the region.
The strikes, reported on Sunday, come as tensions remain high following weeks of renewed military operations and stalled diplomatic efforts aimed at ending more than two years of fighting.
Health officials in Gaza said one Palestinian was killed in an Israeli strike near a police post in Khan Younis, a city in the southern part of the enclave. According to the Israeli military, the individual targeted was identified as a militant who posed what officials described as an “immediate threat” to Israeli forces operating nearby. The military stated that the strike was carried out to neutralize a danger to troops in the area.
In a separate incident, medics reported that another Israeli airstrike hit a community kitchen near Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, killing at least three people. The location was reportedly serving civilians in an area already struggling with severe humanitarian shortages. Israeli authorities did not immediately issue a statement regarding the strike or the circumstances surrounding it.
The renewed violence comes as Israel has intensified operations in Gaza following the conclusion of its coordinated military campaign with the United States against Iran. Israeli officials have shifted military focus back to Gaza, where the army says Hamas fighters have been attempting to strengthen their influence and rebuild operational networks amid the destruction caused by the prolonged war.
On Saturday, Israel announced the killing of senior Hamas military figure , whom Israeli officials described as the head of Hamas’ armed wing in Gaza. The military said the commander was killed in what it called a “precise strike” on Gaza City on Friday. Hamas later confirmed his death but stopped short of issuing direct threats of retaliation, fueling speculation about the group’s next steps.
Later on Sunday, the Israeli military announced another targeted operation, saying it had killed Bahaa Baroud, a commander in Hamas’ Operations Headquarters, during an airstrike carried out the previous day. Israeli officials accused Baroud of planning multiple imminent attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians, particularly in recent weeks. The military said the strike targeted a vehicle in Gaza City and emphasized that precautions had been taken beforehand to reduce civilian casualties, including aerial surveillance and the use of precision-guided munitions.
Gaza health authorities confirmed that Baroud and another person were killed when their car was struck in Gaza City. However, independent verification of the claims surrounding the operation has remained difficult due to limited access to conflict zones.
Meanwhile, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked. Mediators have continued efforts to advance a post-war proposal backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at securing a lasting arrangement for Gaza and bringing an end to the prolonged conflict. Despite diplomatic efforts, major disagreements over governance, security, and hostage-related issues have prevented meaningful progress.
Since the October ceasefire, Gaza health figures indicate that approximately 870 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, though the figures do not distinguish between militants and civilians. During the same period, four Israeli soldiers have reportedly been killed in attacks carried out by militants. Hamas has not publicly disclosed casualty figures for its fighters.
As violence continues, humanitarian concerns are deepening across Gaza, where much of the infrastructure remains heavily damaged and civilians continue to face shortages of food, medical supplies, and safe shelter. With diplomatic efforts showing little sign of immediate success, fears are growing that further escalation could prolong the suffering on both sides of the conflict.
Source Reuters
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