Israeli airstrikes on Thursday killed at least 68 Palestinians in Gaza, including a Hamas police head and his deputy, Gaza authorities said. The strikes targeted Hamas militants in southern Gaza, with the Israeli military claiming it was an intelligence-based operation.
The Al-Mawasi district, designated as a humanitarian zone, was hit, killing Mahmoud Salah, the director general of Gaza’s police department, and Hussam Shahwan, his aide. Gaza’s interior ministry described the attack as an assassination, while the Israeli military said only Shahwan was targeted.
Israel has maintained that it takes precautions to minimize civilian harm in its operations in Gaza. However, the conflict has resulted in widespread displacement and destruction, with over 45,500 Palestinians killed since the war began.
The conflict started with a Hamas cross-border attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken to Gaza. The Israeli military continues to wage its campaign against Hamas militants, despite criticism from international bodies like UNRWA that there is no humanitarian zone or safe zone in Gaza.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-airstrike-kills-least-10-southern-gaza-medics-say-2025-01-02