Ten killed in Israeli strikes and clashes between Hamas and militia in Gaza, local sources say
Ten killed in Israeli strikes and clashes between Hamas and militia in Gaza, local sources say
Casualties and Conflict Details
Local reports indicate at least 10 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air strikes and confrontations between Hamas and an Israel-backed Palestinian group in central Gaza. The strikes reportedly focused on Hamas security officers involved in clashes with the militia east of the Maghazi refugee camp. However, it remains uncertain whether all casualties resulted from the attacks or the ground combat.
Medical Response and Injuries
A representative from al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah stated that ten bodies were transported to the facility from the scene. Additional individuals were wounded, with some in critical condition, as per the hospital’s statement. Neither the Israeli military nor Hamas has yet issued an official response to the incident.
Sequence of Events and Military Support
Witnesses described how the Israel-aligned militia established a checkpoint near Maghazi, prompting an attack by Hamas security forces. This led to a brief but intense confrontation. Israeli drones then joined the conflict, conducting strikes on Hamas personnel in three separate locations. The precise order of Monday’s events is still under investigation.
Peace Plan and Disarmament Debate
The issue of disarmament has emerged as a major hurdle in advancing the second phase of Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan. Last week, a Hamas delegation convened with Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators in Cairo to address the U.S.-led initiative proposing the disarming of Palestinian armed groups. On Sunday, Hamas’s military wing spokesperson rejected discussions on disarmament unless Israel met its obligations under the first phase of the plan.
Broader Context and Historical Background
“We will not accept raising the issue of weapons in this crude manner,” said Abu Ubaida, whose namesake was killed in an Israeli strike last year. He emphasized that Hamas would not surrender its arms through political means, stating, “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.”
Abu Ubaida also connected the ongoing Gaza conflict to the larger geopolitical struggle involving Israel, the U.S., and Iran along with its allies. He praised attacks by Iranian-backed groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, as a continuation of the actions initiated by Hamas on October 7, 2023. That day marked the beginning of the Gaza war, which saw over 1,200 deaths and the capture of 251 individuals during Hamas’s assault on southern Israel.
Human Toll and Military Losses
Since the conflict began, the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza has reported at least 723 Palestinian fatalities due to Israeli attacks. In contrast, the Israeli military stated that five of its soldiers have been killed in attacks by Palestinian factions over the same period. The toll continues to rise as the war enters its second phase.