Israeli Strike Kills Six Members of One Family in Gaza City

An Israeli air strike struck an apartment in the western al-Sabra neighbourhood of Gaza City overnight, killing six members of a single family, local medics and video footage of the burning flat indicated. The victims were identified by a relative as Firas al-Masri, his wife Salsabeel and their children Faryal, Salma, Amira and Naim.

The Israeli military said its intended target was a Hamas operative and that it is still examining the outcome of the operation. Gaza’s health ministry, run by Hamas, reported that at least 1,168 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire took effect last October.

The military in Israel has also said Palestinian attacks have continued during the same period, with four Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza since the ceasefire began.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The UN human rights office condemned the recent intensification of Israeli military operations in Gaza after the strike in Gaza City. Between 13 and 20 July, the office said, at least 57 Palestinians — including six children and eight women — were killed in strikes on residential buildings, a tent camp for displaced families and other populated areas.

The UN spokesman noted that 34 of those people were killed far from the so-called Yellow Line, the boundary marking territory in Gaza controlled by Israeli forces, and warned that the civilian deaths raise concerns about violations of international humanitarian law and possible atrocity crimes.

Israel has stated that recent attacks targeted members of Palestinian armed groups it says were involved in the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, when around 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage. Gaza’s health ministry reports that more than 73,290 people have since been killed in Israeli operations in the territory.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Six members of one family were killed in an overnight Israeli air strike on an apartment in al-Sabra, Gaza City.
• The Israeli military said the target was a Hamas operative and investigations into the strike’s results are ongoing.
• Gaza’s health ministry reports at least 1,168 Palestinians killed since last October’s ceasefire; the UN highlighted recent intensified strikes and civilian deaths.