GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories — An Israeli airstrike targeted a police vehicle in central Gaza on Sunday, resulting in nine officer fatalities according to the Hamas-run interior ministry. The attack eliminated Colonel Iyad Abu Yousef, police chief for the central governorate, along with eight other personnel in the town of Zawaida.
The strike occurred as Hamas representatives convened with Egyptian officials in Cairo to discuss ceasefire implementation. Earlier that day, Gaza’s civil defence agency reported four additional fatalities from an Israeli strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp.
Israeli military officials stated they were ‘looking into the reports’ when questioned about both incidents by international media. The Hamas-led interior ministry condemned the attack as a ‘heinous crime’ that demonstrates Israel’s ‘treacherous face’ regarding the ceasefire agreement.
Despite a truce that took effect on October 10, violence has continued throughout the Palestinian territory. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem characterized the bombings as ‘blatant violations’ of the ceasefire agreement.
The developments unfolded amid diplomatic movements in Cairo, where a Hamas delegation headed by official Nizar Rayyan met with Bulgarian politician Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza under the U.S. Board of Peace. The delegation demanded immediate cessation of hostilities and implementation of the ceasefire’s second phase, including opening Gaza crossings.
In a related development, Israel announced the partial reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt beginning March 18, while the Kerem Shalom crossing had previously reopened for humanitarian aid delivery. The Gaza health ministry reports at least 663 Palestinian fatalities since the truce began, while Israeli military authorities acknowledge five soldier deaths during the same period. Independent verification of casualty figures remains challenging due to media restrictions in the conflict zone.