Eight Palestinians Killed in Israeli Drone Strikes Targeting Police and Civilians

POLICY WIRE — Gaza City — At least eight Palestinians have lost their lives, including a four-year-old child, following recent Israeli military operations across Gaza according to hospital officials.

On Sunday, a drone strike in the al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis, killed five Palestinian police officers and left several injured.

The Palestinian Ministry of Interior and National Security stated that Israeli forces targeted the officers while they were carrying out their standard duties. The ministry described the event as a “horrific massacre” and urged the international community to exert pressure on Israel to halt the killing of law enforcement personnel.

According to the ministry, at least 75 security personnel and police officers have been killed since the ceasefire with Hamas began in October of last year.

In response, the Israeli army maintained the strike was aimed at a “terrorist” located in the southern region.

In northern Gaza, al-Shifa Hospital reported that another drone attack in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City killed at least three people, including a three-year boy. The Taj Mall was also hit during the assault.

A separate individual passed away on Sunday due to injuries sustained in a previous engagement.

Al Jazeera reporter Hani Mahmoud noted that it is difficult to find a day without reporting on deadly strikes across the strip. He reported that the officers in al-Mawasi were protecting displaced civilians when hit hit, resulting in five instant deaths.

Mahmoud added that an hour later in Gaza City, three people—a father and his son—were killed while walking on Revolution Street. He emphasized that attacks continue despite a ceasefire that has been active for over a year.

Hamas condemned the incidents as a deliberate war crime, criticizing the targeting of police and the bombardment of Gaza City.

The group claimed that targeting officers is an effort to disrupt recovery, destabilize the region, and create chaos. They argued that international silence serves only to embolden the occupation.

Hamas described the events as a continuation of a “genocidal war” that the Palestinian people continue to endure.

Since the conflict began in October following the Hamas-led attack, more than 1,500 people have died under Israeli fire. The Gaza Ministry of Health reports that at least 74,594 Palestinians have died since that time.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)