Israeli airstrike on Friday targeted a crowded area in Gaza City near a site where police were stationed to guard a bank, killing at least three Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials cited by Reuters.
Medics and eyewitnesses reported the strike hit a busy zone during Friday prayers a day of deep religious and communal importance for Muslims when people gather in mosques and public spaces. Gaza’s Interior Ministry said the attack targeted a police patrol. It was not immediately clear if police officers were among those killed.
This incident fits into a pattern of reported ceasefire violations since the U.S.-brokered truce took effect in October 2025. Palestinian authorities have documented hundreds of breaches, with strikes often hitting security personnel maintaining order amid reconstruction and aid efforts. Israel has described similar actions as targeting militants or threats near demarcation lines.
Gaza’s Health Ministry and local sources placed the death toll at least at three for this strike, with additional injuries reported. The Israeli military has not issued an immediate detailed comment on this specific Friday incident.
Violence persists despite the truce. Palestinian officials report over 700 deaths in Gaza from Israeli actions since October 2025, while overall figures since October 2023 exceed 72,000, mostly civilians according to Gaza health authorities. Israel reports its own casualties from militant actions.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos in the densely populated enclave, with rescue teams responding.