An airstrike carried out by Israeli forces resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a three-year-old child, in the central Gaza Strip on Sunday, as confirmed by health authorities. Medics in Gaza reported that the strike, which occurred near a bakery in Deir al-Balah, claimed the lives of Tayyem Hamdan, aged 3, and Hussam Nusair, along with causing injuries to several others.
The Israeli military stated that the attack was targeted at a Hamas militant who was allegedly involved in hostile actions against Israeli personnel and civilians. Hamas has not yet responded to the military’s accusations.
Despite a ceasefire backed by the U.S. last October that brought a halt to major conflicts in the region, Israeli military operations have continued, citing the prevention of Hamas-led attacks as their motive. Hamas has accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire terms and impeding the implementation of a broader peace initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. This initiative includes Israeli withdrawals from Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas.
Since the ceasefire came into effect last October, over 1,300 Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza according to local health authorities, while the Israeli military reports the deaths of four of their soldiers.