Israeli strikes and raid in western Gaza City kill children, say medics

At least two Palestinian children and a woman were killed by Israeli fire in western Gaza City, Palestinian medics reported, while a third child died in a separate incident in central Gaza.

Local, unconfirmed accounts described a raid carried out by an Israel-backed Palestinian militia and said Israeli forces conducted shelling and air strikes after the raid was discovered. Video from Gaza City showed chaotic scenes with gunfire and the aftermath of air strikes.

Palestinian initial reports stated that a special Israeli unit had entered a crowded area using a van and motorcycles, though it remained unclear whether those involved were Israeli forces or members of an Israel-backed Palestinian militia.

Reports from a local source indicated a senior Hamas security official was believed to have been targeted. The Israeli military said it struck several targets in Gaza “in order to remove threats to the security forces” and reported no injuries to its troops. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said a senior Hamas official had been arrested, without clarifying whether this related to the Gaza City incident.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

Palestinian medics reported civilian casualties in western Gaza City and separately in central Gaza. Unconfirmed local accounts pointed to involvement of an Israel-backed militia and a special unit entering a crowded area. Israeli statements confirmed strikes on targets to remove threats and asserted no troop casualties, while an Israeli minister announced an arrest of a senior Hamas official without linking it explicitly to the reported raid.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• At least two Palestinian children and a woman killed by Israeli fire in western Gaza City, medics say.
• A third child was killed in a separate incident in central Gaza.
• Unconfirmed reports describe a raid by an Israel-backed Palestinian militia and ensuing Israeli shelling and air strikes after the unit’s presence was discovered.