A fresh wave of violence has shaken Gaza City after an Israeli airstrike hit a residential building in a busy market area, killing at least three Palestinians and injuring dozens more, according to local medics and eyewitnesses.
The strike targeted the al-Kayali building in central Gaza City, an area crowded with shoppers preparing for Eid al-Adha. Witnesses reported multiple explosions hitting the upper floors of the building, causing widespread destruction and panic in the surrounding streets.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene but struggled to reach victims due to heavy debris and congestion. Some residents said they heard what sounded like aircraft overhead moments before the impact, followed by several simultaneous blasts.
The Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet said the operation targeted Muhammad Odeh, whom Israel describes as a senior figure in Hamas. In a joint statement, they said surveillance had tracked his movements over several months and claimed the building was being used as a hideout.
Israeli authorities also said a nearby apartment linked to another Hamas member involved in the October 7 attacks was struck during the operation. According to Israel’s government, Benjamin Netanyahu described Odeh as one of the planners behind those attacks, which Hamas has not confirmed.
The strike comes despite an ongoing ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Hamas, which has repeatedly been tested by renewed violence. Palestinian health authorities report hundreds of deaths since the truce began, while Israel maintains it is continuing targeted operations against individuals it considers security threats.
The escalation reflects a wider pattern of instability across the region, including recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon targeting sites linked to Hezbollah.
Tensions remain high as diplomatic efforts to stabilize Gaza’s governance and reconstruction continue to stall. Meanwhile, civilians on both sides remain caught in a cycle of retaliation, uncertainty, and fragile ceasefire conditions that appear increasingly difficult to sustain.
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