Key facts
- An Israeli airstrike killed Colonel Wael El-Ledawi, head of the Hamas-run Palestinian internal security service in central Gaza, and Major Ramez Abu Zraiq.
- The Israeli military confirmed it conducted a strike against a Hamas militant.
- Hamas alleges that Israeli strikes on its police force aim to create chaos and violate the ceasefire.
- Over 1,190 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks since the October ceasefire, according to Gaza health officials.
- Four Israeli soldiers have been killed by militants in Gaza during the same period.
An Israeli airstrike on Sunday killed Colonel Wael El-Ledawi, head of the Hamas-run Palestinian internal security service in central Gaza, and Major Ramez Abu Zraiq, as they traveled in a vehicle. The Israeli military stated it conducted a strike against a Hamas militant.
This incident follows the earlier killing of Brigadier-General Abdel-Nasser Al-Maqadma, head of the Hamas-led police in northern Gaza, in a separate Israeli airstrike. Israel has targeted numerous members of the Hamas-led police force, viewing many as part of the Hamas armed wing posing threats.
Hamas contends that these attacks on its police force are designed to foster chaos and anarchy within the Gaza Strip and contravene the October ceasefire brokered by the United States. According to Gaza health officials, over 1,190 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks since the ceasefire took effect, though Hamas does not typically disclose its losses. In the same period, four Israeli soldiers have been killed by militants in Gaza.
Israel currently controls approximately 64% of the Gaza Strip, which has been heavily bombarded during the ongoing military operation. The majority of Gaza's 2 million residents are displaced and facing severe humanitarian conditions.
Mediators, including Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States, are continuing efforts to advance a peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which includes provisions for Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawals, though progress has been limited.