Israeli Strike Hits Gaza City Market, Kills Three Palestinians, Targets Hamas Commander
At least three Palestinians were killed and dozens injured following an Israeli air strike on a residential building within one of Gaza City's busiest market areas. Medics and witnesses confirmed the strike hit the upper three floors of the al-Kayali building, a site bustling with shoppers preparing for Eid al-Adha.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that the military targeted Mohammed Odeh, the commander of Hamas's armed wing, describing him as a principal architect of the 7 October 2023 attacks. Neither Hamas nor Israel has confirmed Odeh's status after the strike. This incident follows the earlier killing of Odeh's predecessor, Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, in a similar Israeli air strike in May that also targeted a residential building and killed at least three people.
Despite a ceasefire commencing on 10 October, Israel has continued to conduct regular strikes across Gaza. Hamas has accused Israel of ceasefire breaches and attacking civilians, with the Palestinian territory's health ministry reporting over 800 deaths from Israeli actions during this period. Israel, conversely, asserts its prerogative to target Hamas members, accusing the group of violating the agreement by failing to disarm.
Progress on the latter phases of a US-led peace plan for Gaza remains stalled, particularly since the United States and Israel initiated a conflict with Iran in February. While the US announced a plan for transitional governance and demilitarisation in Gaza, disarmament talks are deadlocked, and Hamas appears to be reasserting control. Israel's statement on Tuesday affirmed its commitment to pursuing anyone involved in the 7 October massacre, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostage-takings. Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza has reportedly killed more than 72,744 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, figures the UN considers reliable.
The latest assault on Gaza follows recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon, which killed 11 people. Netanyahu has vowed to intensify military action in Lebanon, with the Israeli military stating its attacks target Hezbollah sites.
