Israeli air strike hits crowd in Gaza City

Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least 17 Palestinians, including children, according to hospital officials. The strikes occurred in northern and southern Gaza, specifically in Gaza City and Khan Younis. The Israeli military stated the strikes were a response to gunfire from "terrorists" that seriously wounded an Israeli soldier during an operation near the Yellow Line, a territory demarcation under the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. Israel characterized the gunfire as a violation of the truce, which began on October 10th. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of frequent violations of the ceasefire. The conflict stems from the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza.

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Israeli forces struck Gaza, resulting in the deaths of 19 people, including women and children. The strikes occurred in Gaza City, and Israel stated they were in response to Hamas violating an agreement. In addition to the casualties in Gaza, a militant's gunfire wounded an Israeli soldier. The events took place amid ongoing tensions and conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups in the region. The deceased were mourned at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

On February 3, 2026, Israel reopened the Rafah crossing, allowing only five critically ill Palestinian patients to exit Gaza for medical treatment after nearly two years of closure. Simultaneously, Israeli soldiers killed a Palestinian individual south of Khan Younis. These events occurred amidst a rising death toll following days of Israeli attacks on civilians in Gaza, including women and children. The limited reopening of the Rafah crossing aimed to provide medical assistance to those in critical condition. The killing near Khan Younis contributes to the ongoing conflict and escalating casualties in the region.

A Gaza hospital director reports that malnourished and traumatized mothers are still giving birth to underweight or premature babies, despite a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel that began over three months ago. The hospital is struggling to provide adequate care. While aid to Gaza has increased since the ceasefire, the UN states it remains insufficient to meet the population's needs. Israel maintains it is fulfilling its obligations by allowing more food and medical aid into Gaza. The report highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis and its impact on newborns in the region.

The IDF announced the elimination of Muhammad Issam Hassan al-Habil, a Hamas commander, in Gaza City's Shati refugee camp on Wednesday. Al-Habil was killed in an airstrike following a Hamas attack that wounded IDF troops, violating the ceasefire agreement. The IDF and ISA identified al-Habil as the murderer of IDF soldier Noa Marciano, who was abducted from the Nahal Oz outpost during the October 7th massacre and later died while in Hamas captivity. Marciano's body was recovered by Israeli forces in November 2023. The IDF stated that the operation brings closure for Marciano's family and reiterated its commitment to pursuing those involved in the October 7th attacks and preventing future terror attacks.