At least three Palestinians were killed and dozens injured after an Israeli air strike targeted a residential building in central Gaza City, according to local medics and eyewitnesses.
The attack struck the upper floors of the al-Kayali building, located in one of the city’s busiest market districts, where large crowds had gathered ahead of Eid al-Adha shopping activities.
Witnesses said several missiles hit the building almost simultaneously from different directions, causing major destruction and triggering panic across the area. Rescue workers and emergency teams rushed to the scene, though efforts to reach trapped victims were slowed by severe damage and heavy congestion in nearby streets.
Videos and images circulating online showed ambulances, civil defence crews, and large crowds gathered around the damaged structure as rescue operations continued.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office later said the strike targeted Mohammed Odeh, a senior commander in Hamas’s armed wing. Israeli authorities described him as one of the key figures involved in the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.
Israeli officials stated that Odeh had been linked to attacks, kidnappings, and killings involving Israeli civilians and soldiers. However, neither Israel nor Hamas has confirmed whether he was killed in the strike.
The latest attack comes despite an existing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Hamas has repeatedly accused Israel of violating the ceasefire through continued military operations across Gaza, while Israeli authorities insist they retain the right to target Hamas members.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 800 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire began in October last year.
Israeli forces have continued carrying out operations across the territory while negotiations linked to a US-backed peace plan remain stalled. The proposed plan includes governance reforms, reconstruction efforts, and demilitarisation of Gaza, though talks surrounding Hamas disarmament remain unresolved.
Israel has pledged to continue targeting individuals connected to the October 7 attacks, which killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken into Gaza.
Since the conflict began, Gaza’s health ministry says more than 72,000 people have been killed during Israel’s military campaign, while large parts of the territory have been heavily damaged and millions displaced.
The Gaza strike came shortly after Israeli attacks in Lebanon reportedly killed 11 people, as Israel also continues military operations targeting Hezbollah positions.
