By Emmanuel Bobby
Israeli airstrikes and military operations continued across the Gaza Strip over the past two days, killing at least a dozen people, according to local health officials, underscoring the fragile nature of the ceasefire that has largely reduced—but not ended—hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Health officials reported that three members of the same family were killed on Wednesday in an airstrike in central Gaza. The victims were taken to Al Aqsa Hospital, where medical staff confirmed the fatalities. The strike was one of several reported across the territory as military activity continued despite the ceasefire agreement that has been in place for months.
Police Officers and Civilians Among Those Killed
On Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike struck a police station in the densely populated Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. Hospital officials said the attack killed seven people, including a woman and six police officers.
The Israeli military said four of the officers killed were Hamas militants but did not provide evidence supporting the claim or explain how those individuals were allegedly involved in planning or carrying out attacks.
Among those killed was Col. Mohamad Marwan Salem, identified by Gaza’s Hamas-run Interior Ministry as the head of the Jabalia police station and a senior commander within the territory’s civilian police force.
Elsewhere in southern Gaza, hospital officials reported that a man was killed after an airstrike hit a tent camp sheltering displaced civilians in Khan Younis. Another incident in the Muwasi area, west of Rafah, resulted in the death of a child after Israeli forces reportedly opened fire, according to medical authorities.
The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incidents in central and southern Gaza.
Debate Over Targeting Police Infrastructure
Throughout the conflict, Israeli forces have repeatedly targeted police facilities and personnel in Gaza, arguing that Hamas integrates elements of its civilian security institutions into its military operations.
According to the Israeli military, police stations may be considered legitimate military targets if they are used to support armed activities or house individuals involved in militant operations.
However, in the case of the Jabalia strike, the military did not specify what military activities were allegedly taking place at the police station or present public evidence linking the facility to active combat operations.
Hamas maintains that Gaza’s police force primarily performs civilian duties such as maintaining public order, directing traffic, protecting humanitarian aid deliveries, and responding to criminal activity.
U.N. Raises Concerns Over Repeated Police Strikes
The repeated targeting of police personnel has drawn criticism from the United Nations human rights office.
In a statement issued earlier this year, U.N. officials said police officers in Gaza had been attacked numerous times while carrying out ordinary law enforcement responsibilities, including traffic control, neighborhood patrols, and market security.
The U.N. warned that the pattern of attacks raises concerns about whether sufficient distinction is being made between civilian police officers and members of armed militant groups during military operations.
Israeli security analysts argue that the country’s military views portions of Hamas’ policing structure as closely intertwined with the organization’s military wing. Some analysts say facilities operated by police have allegedly been used for logistics, weapons storage, communications, and support functions benefiting Hamas’ armed operations.
Ceasefire Holds but Violence Persists
Although the ceasefire agreement reached several months ago significantly reduced the intensity of fighting that had dominated the conflict for nearly two years, violence has continued across Gaza.
Airstrikes, ground operations, and sporadic clashes remain frequent as Israeli forces respond to what they describe as security threats and violations of the truce.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 1,100 people have been killed in the territory since the ceasefire took effect.
The ministry, which operates under Gaza’s Hamas-led administration, maintains casualty records that are widely referenced by international organizations and humanitarian agencies. While it does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its public death tolls, it says women and children account for a large share of those killed.
Israeli officials have stated that military operations continue in response to attacks carried out by militants and other ceasefire violations. Since the truce began, five Israeli soldiers have reportedly been killed in security incidents.
Conflict Continues to Take Heavy Toll
The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched a large-scale attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel responded with a sustained military campaign in Gaza aimed at dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities and securing the release of hostages.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 73,000 Palestinians since the war began, including those killed after the ceasefire took effect. The ongoing violence, despite periods of reduced fighting, continues to highlight the instability of the ceasefire and the challenges facing efforts to reach a lasting peace in the region.
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