Israeli strike kills at least five in central Gaza Strip, marking escalation

An Israeli airstrike has killed at least five Palestinians in the central Gaza Strip amid ongoing tensions involving armed groups in the region.

Health officials said the strike targeted people who had confronted an anti-Hamas militia at a refugee camp east of Maghazi on May 26, Calibre.Az reports, citing Reuters.

Medics and residents reported that an Israeli drone fired a missile after civilians emerged from their homes during an attempted advance by an Israeli-backed Palestinian armed group.

At least five people were killed and several others wounded, according to local accounts.

The Israeli military, which has been engaged in fighting Hamas in Gaza since October 2023, did not immediately comment on the incident.

In recent weeks, there has been a reported increase in activity by armed groups opposed to Hamas, some of which Hamas has described as “collaborators” with Israel. These groups, operating in areas under Israeli control, say their objective is to challenge Hamas rule.

A ceasefire brokered in October with the involvement of US President Donald Trump has not halted violence in the territory. Israel and Hamas remain in indirect negotiations over the next phase of the agreement, which includes Hamas disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawals.

The ceasefire has left Israel controlling more than half of Gaza, while Hamas retains limited areas along the coast.

Since the truce took effect, Gaza health authorities say around 900 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, while the Israeli military reports four soldiers have been killed by militants over the same period.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov