Israeli strike kills Hamas figure in Gaza Strip: report
While local health officials said that five people were killed in Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip in two Israeli airstrikes, Palestinian media reported that one of those killed was a senior figure from Hamas’ armed wing.
The Israeli military did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment on the incident.
Palestinian media identified him as Mohammed al-Qudsal and identified him as a local Hamas commander in Deir al-Balah.
The militant group did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
More than 400 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have reportedly been killed since a fragile ceasefire came into effect in October.
Israel destroyed buildings and ordered the evacuation of residents of more than half of the Gaza Strip where its troops were stationed.
Almost all of the region’s more than two million people live in makeshift homes or damaged buildings in a small area where Israeli troops have withdrawn and Hamas has regained control.
More than 100 children have been killed in the region since the ceasefire, including victims of drone and quadcopter attacks, the United Nations children’s agency said on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that the Israeli Government insists that the information provided to the mediators by the Hostages and Missing Coordinator and his team be immediately translated into effective actions on the ground.— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 14, 2026
Despite the United States announcing the second phase of a ceasefire on Wednesday, Israel and Hamas have shared blame for ceasefire violations and remain distant from each other on important issues.
Israel launched its operations in the Gaza Strip following an attack by Hamas-led fighters in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, according to Israeli calculations.
According to health officials in the Gaza Strip, Israel’s offensive has killed 71,000 people and left much of the area in ruins.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu evaluated the US statement that the ceasefire would enter the second phase as largely symbolic.
Speaking late Wednesday to the parents of the last Israeli hostage whose remains remain in the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu said the Palestinian steering committee announced as part of the second phase was merely a “declarative move” rather than the sign of progress described by US envoy Steve Witkoff.
The parents of Israeli police officer Ran Gvili had previously pressured Netanyahu not to advance the ceasefire until their son’s body was returned, the Israel Hostage and Missing Families Forum said on Wednesday.
Netanyahu told Gvili’s family that his return was a top priority.
with AP
