Gaza City, Sept. 1 — Israeli gunfire and airstrikes killed at least four civilians, including three children, on Tuesday, according to health officials in the Gaza Strip. Witnesses said Israeli warplanes launched a dozen missiles near the Katiba district, an area densely populated with displaced families.
Medics confirmed that two children and a woman were among those killed, and several others were wounded when two vehicles were struck and reduced to twisted wreckage. The heavy bombardment was described as unusually intense for the region.
Israeli military response
In a statement released Tuesday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes targeted multiple locations in Gaza to eliminate threats to Israeli security forces. The IDF added that the operations were intended to prevent attacks by Hamas and other militant groups operating in the enclave.
Ismail Al‑Thawabta, director of the Hamas‑run Gaza government media office, claimed that an Israeli special‑forces unit attempted a covert operation in Gaza City but was discovered, prompting the IDF to deploy more than ten warplanes for a heavy air campaign.
Separate incident east of Deir Al‑Balah
In a related incident, medics reported that a girl named Israa Al‑Hissi was killed and two other individuals were wounded when Israeli forces opened fire east of Deir Al‑Balah in central Gaza.
Ceasefire context
A U.S.-backed ceasefire that took effect in October 2025 halted large‑scale fighting but has not stopped Israeli strikes. Hamas accuses Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire and undermining President Donald Trump’s broader plan to end the war, which includes further Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas.
Since the ceasefire began, Gaza health officials say more than 1,300 Palestinians have been killed, while the Israeli military reports that four Israeli soldiers have died during the same period.
International reaction
The continued violence has drawn criticism from humanitarian groups and foreign governments, who warn that civilian casualties risk further destabilizing an already fragile region. The United Nations has called for renewed diplomatic efforts to enforce the ceasefire and protect civilians.
As the conflict persists, families in Gaza continue to live under the threat of airstrikes, and the humanitarian situation remains dire, with limited access to medical care, clean water, and shelter.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
