Israeli strike kills four people, including toddler, says Gaza civil defence.

Four people including a toddler were killed in a northern Gaza airstrike despite the October ceasefire, Gaza Civil Defence reports. The strike targeted a police vehicle, highlighting ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas and raising concerns over civilian safety.

On Tuesday, Gaza's Civil Defence Agency confirmed that an Israeli airstrike in the northern part of the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of four people, including a three-year-old child. The attack occurred despite a ceasefire that came into effect on October 10, which has not fully stopped hostilities between Israel and Hamas, both sides frequently accusing the other of violations.

Incident Details

Mahmoud Bassal, spokesperson for Gaza's Civil Defence Agency, reported that the airstrike struck a police vehicle in Gaza City. Among the casualties was a toddler identified as Yahya al-Mallahi. Additional individuals were injured in the attack. The victims were taken to Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, where their deaths were officially confirmed.

Earlier on the same day, another person was killed by Israeli fire in the Beit Lahia area of northern Gaza, raising the total number of fatalities for Tuesday to five.

Official Response

The Interior Ministry of Gaza confirmed that Israeli aircraft targeted a police vehicle in Gaza City, causing multiple deaths and injuries. Footage from local sources showed residents carrying the body of a deceased man on a stretcher through streets filled with rubble for burial.

Context of the Conflict

The ceasefire implemented on October 10 followed more than two years of conflict after the Hamas-led cross-border attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Despite the truce, incidents of violence continue to occur, resulting in casualties on both sides.

Casualty Figures Since Ceasefire

According to Gaza's Health Ministry, at least 757 people have died in the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire began. The United Nations considers these figures reliable. Additionally, the Israeli army reported five Israeli soldier fatalities in Gaza since the truce was implemented. Due to media restrictions and limited access to the territory, independent verification of these numbers and comprehensive reporting on the conflict remains challenging.

Israeli Military Statement

The Israeli military informed AFP that it is investigating the circumstances of the airstrike and the resulting casualties.

Sources:

• Al Jazeera
• BBC News
• The Guardian
• Gaza civil defence says toddler among 4 dead in Israeli strike