Nine Hamas police officers were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting a vehicle in central Gaza on March 15, 2026, according to Gaza’s interior ministry. The dead include Colonel Iyad Abu Yousef, the police chief for the central governorate.
The strike occurred in Zawaida, near Deir el-Balah, where Al-Aqsa hospital initially reported eight fatalities. Hamas called the attack a "treacherous crime" and a violation of the ceasefire.
Another strike earlier Sunday killed four people in the Nuseirat refugee camp, per Gaza civil defence. Israel has not confirmed either incident, stating it is reviewing the reports.
Violence continues despite a ceasefire effective October 10. Both sides accuse each other of repeated breaches. A Hamas delegation met with Bulgarian envoy Nickolay Mladenov in Cairo, demanding an end to violations and full opening of Gaza crossings.
Israel announced partial reopening of the Rafah crossing on March 18 for limited civilian movement. Kerem Shalom remains open for humanitarian aid.
Gaza’s health ministry reports at least 663 Palestinian deaths since the truce began. Israel says five soldiers have been killed in the same period. Independent verification remains impossible due to media restrictions.