Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday hit a vehicle in the northern Gaza Strip neighbourhood of Sheikh Radwan, killing at least two Palestinians, including a child, and wounding seven more, according to health officials in the territory.

Casualties and the circumstances of the strike

The Israeli military said it had struck a militant in the area but gave no further details. Witnesses reported that a second strike hit near a group of people who rushed to assist the first victims. An unverified video showed a missile exploding near at least five men.

Targets identified as Hamas commanders

One of the dead was identified by Hamas sources and the Israeli military as Ahmed Al‑Batsh, a local Hamas commander. Medics said Batsh died when his vehicle was attacked. The Israeli military also said it had killed Rafat Zummar, describing him as a Hamas commander, though Hamas has not confirmed his affiliation.

At Batsh’s funeral in Gaza City’s Al Shifa Hospital, relatives draped his body in a white shroud and a green Hamas flag, placing an M16 rifle on top. Khalil Al‑Batsh, a relative, told Reuters that the Israeli operation only strengthens the resolve of Gaza’s people.

Cease‑fire context and U.S. diplomatic efforts

An October 2025 U.S.–backed cease‑fire halted large‑scale fighting, but Israeli strikes have continued and a permanent peace settlement remains elusive. Hamas accuses Israel of violating the cease‑fire and undermining President Donald Trump’s broader plan, which calls for an Israeli withdrawal from the strip and the disarmament of Hamas. Israel maintains that Hamas has been violating the agreement.

Since the cease‑fire took effect, Gaza health officials say more than 1,300 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed. The Israeli military reports four Israeli soldiers killed in the same period.

International and humanitarian concerns

The latest casualties underscore the fragile nature of the cease‑fire and the humanitarian challenges facing Gaza’s civilian population. Aid agencies continue to warn of severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, while diplomatic talks in Washington seek to revive a durable peace framework.

Both sides remain entrenched: Israel insists its operations target militants, while Hamas and local health officials stress the civilian toll. The situation remains volatile, with the risk of further escalation if the cease‑fire continues to be breached.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.