CAIRO, July 21 (Reuters) – An Israeli airstrike on Tuesday destroyed a residence in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of a father, his wife, and their four children, according to health officials.
Medical personnel reported that the strike on the family home in the Sabra neighborhood claimed the lives of Firas Al-Masri, his wife Salsabeel, and their three daughters and son.
The Israeli military acknowledged the strike, stating the intended target was a Hamas militant, and noted that investigations into the outcome of the operation are ongoing.
In a series of separate strikes since Friday, the Israeli military reported the deaths of three militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two of whom were allegedly involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and the seizure of hostages.
According to Gaza health officials, these casualties contribute to a death toll exceeding 1,150 Palestinians, the majority of whom are civilians, killed by Israeli operations since an October ceasefire between Israel and Hamas militants went into effect.
Hamas typically does not release specific data regarding its casualties.
While the truce ended large-scale combat, near-daily Israeli strikes continue. Israel maintains that its strikes are targeted at militants. During the same period, four Israeli soldiers have been killed by militants in Gaza.
The conflict was triggered by an attack led by Hamas on southern Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and the taking of approximately 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Gaza health officials report that Israel’s subsequent military offensive has resulted in more than 73,000 Palestinian fatalities.
The majority of Gaza’s 2 million residents are currently displaced, living in damaged buildings or makeshift tents along a narrow coastal strip under Hamas control.