Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Kills 10, Including 3 Children

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza early Thursday morning resulted in the deaths of 10 people, including three children and two senior officers in the Hamas-run police force, according to Palestinian officials. The strike targeted a tent in the Muwasi area, an Israeli-declared humanitarian zone where tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians are seeking shelter during the ongoing winter.

Among the victims were three women, four men, and three children. Hospital sources reported that the deceased included Maj. Gen. Mahmoud Salah, the Gaza police’s general director, and his deputy, Brig. Gen. Hossam Shahwan.

The Israeli military has yet to comment on the attack.

The Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip's police force, which once maintained public order, has largely been decimated by Israel's ongoing military campaign. As a result, the delivery of essential humanitarian aid has been severely disrupted, and law and order have deteriorated in many areas. However, residents report that Hamas security personnel continue to patrol parts of Gaza, and despite the breakdown of many formal institutions, Hamas has not faced significant internal resistance.

The war, which began with Hamas' deadly October 7, 2023 assault on Israel that left nearly 1,200 Israelis dead and hundreds abducted, has seen over 45,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza, with women and children constituting the majority of casualties. Local health officials, however, do not distinguish between civilians and combatants in their reports.