Eight killed in Gaza amid recent 'Israeli' strikes, ministry of health reports

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that eight people were killed in the past hours due to direct 'Israeli' attacks, part of ongoing 'Israeli' military operations in the region.

In addition, 10 more bodies were recovered from previous strikes, which rescue teams had been unable to reach earlier, bringing the total fatalities in the last 24 hours to 18, with three others injured.

Among the recent casualties, several civilians were wounded in an 'Israeli' strike targeting a gathering in the central Gaza town of Zawaida, prompting immediate emergency response.

Airstrikes are ongoing across the Gaza Strip as the Israeli army confirmed they are retaliatory measures following recent security incidents in Rafah. 

On Sunday, two 'Israeli' soldiers were killed in southern Rafah in what has been described as one of the most serious breaches of the recent ceasefire. The explosion, which targeted an 'Israeli' engineering vehicle, is suspected to have been caused by either an anti-tank missile or a planted explosive device, according to 'Israeli' sources. Large IOF reinforcements were dispatched to the site.

In response, 'Israeli' forces launched airstrikes against targets in Rafah. The army confirmed that its air force is targeting resistance positions linked to the attack.

Media outlets affiliated with Hamas stated that the group’s operation in eastern Rafah earlier in the day was aimed at Yasser Abu Shabab, described as the leader of a militia allegedly operating with 'Israeli' support in the area.

However, 'Israel’s' Channel 12, citing informed sources, reported that the 'Israeli' airstrikes on Rafah were intended to protect the militia led by Yasser Abu Shabab.