Ten killed in Israeli strikes and clashes between Hamas and militia in Gaza, local sources say

Ten Killed in Israeli Strikes and Gaza Clashes, Local Sources Report

Local reports indicate that at least 10 Palestinians were killed during Israeli air strikes and confrontations between Hamas and a pro-Israel Palestinian group in central Gaza. The attacks reportedly focused on Hamas security personnel involved in a skirmish with the militia east of the Maghazi refugee camp. However, the exact number of casualties from the aerial assaults versus ground combat remains uncertain.

A representative from al-Aqsa hospital in Deir al-Balah stated that 10 bodies were transported to the facility. The spokesperson also noted that multiple individuals were injured, with some in critical condition. Neither the Israeli military nor Hamas has issued an immediate statement regarding the incident. The sequence of events on Monday is still being pieced together, though witnesses claim the militia established a checkpoint in the area, prompting an attack by Hamas forces.

Accusations and Ceasefire Tensions

Israel and Hamas have both accused each other of breaching the ceasefire agreement they reached nearly six months ago. Since then, the territory’s health ministry, under Hamas control, has reported the deaths of at least 723 Palestinians in Israeli attacks. The Israeli military confirmed five of its soldiers were killed in similar incidents by Palestinian groups. Disarmament has emerged as a critical issue blocking progress on the second phase of Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan.

“We will not accept raising the issue of weapons in this crude manner,” said Abu Ubaida, whose relative was killed in an Israeli strike last year. He added: “What the enemy failed to take from us by tanks and destruction, it will not take from us through politics or at the negotiating table.”

Broader Conflict Context

Abu Ubaida tied Hamas’s operations in Gaza to the larger regional tensions involving Israel, the U.S., and Iran’s allies. He praised missile, drone, and rocket attacks by Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, calling them an “extension” of the conflict initiated by Hamas on 7 October 2023. That day, Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in around 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Israel’s military response has since claimed over 72,300 lives in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry.