Israeli strike in Gaza kills two Palestinians, including 3-year-old child, medics say

Israeli military strike in southern Gaza kills two Palestinians, including 3-year-old girl, Gaza health officials report

Southern Gaza City—An Israeli airstrike on a residential area in southern Gaza City on Friday evening killed two Palestinians, including a 3-year-old child, according to local health officials. The strike, which targeted what the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described as a militant site, also left several others injured, Gaza’s health ministry reported.

Gaza health officials said the two fatalities were a 3-year-old girl and a 45-year-old man. The child’s death has drawn widespread attention amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Palestinian armed groups. The IDF stated it was investigating the incident, noting that the target was a Hamas-affiliated command center located in a densely populated area.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes following the strike, with emergency services struggling to treat the wounded amid heavy debris and damaged infrastructure. Local medics reported at least five others were hospitalized with various injuries. The Gaza health ministry has called for an independent investigation into the attack, emphasizing the need for accountability.

The Israeli military has conducted numerous strikes in Gaza in recent weeks in response to rocket fire from militant factions. According to the IDF, these operations aim to degrade the operational capabilities of groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). The IDF spokesperson confirmed that the targeted site was involved in planning attacks against Israeli civilians and military personnel.

International observers have expressed concern over the rising civilian toll in Gaza, with the United Nations reporting over 200 Palestinian deaths since the escalation began in early May. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has repeatedly urged both sides to protect civilian lives and infrastructure.

Palestinian authorities have condemned the strike, calling it a violation of international law. Hamas, which controls Gaza, accused Israel of deliberately targeting civilians. Israel maintains that it takes precautions to minimize civilian harm but acknowledges that errors can occur in complex military operations.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, following weeks of clashes in Jerusalem and the West Bank. The IDF has reported an increase in violent attacks by Palestinians, including stone-throwing and vehicle rammings, which have resulted in multiple Israeli injuries.

Humanitarian organizations continue to call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has urged both parties to allow unimpeded access to medical care and essential supplies for the affected population in Gaza.

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