Israeli airstrike kills colonel in Hamas-led Gaza police force, medics say
Details of the Israeli Airstrike and Its Aftermath
Senior Hamas Officer Killed
CAIRO, May 6 (Reuters) - An Israeli airstrike killed a senior officer in the Hamas-run Interior Ministry in the Gaza Strip, health officials and Hamas sources said on Wednesday.
Targeted Attack in Khan Younis
Medics said an Israeli airstrike killed Naseem al-Kalazani, a colonel in the Hamas-run police force, when it targeted his vehicle near the al-Mawasi area in western Khan Younis, in the south of the enclave. The attack wounded at least 17 other people, they added.
Role of Naseem al-Kalazani
Kalazani led the anti-narcotics force in Khan Younis, Hamas sources said.
Context of Recent Strikes
Reuters previously reported that Israel has intensified its attacks on Gaza's Hamas-run police force, which the militant group has used to reinforce its hold in the areas it controls in the strip.
Additional Airstrikes and Casualties
Later on Wednesday, another Israeli airstrike killed at least three Palestinians near Al-Zeitoun neighbourhood in Gaza City, health officials at the territory's Al-Ahli Hospital said, taking the day's death toll to at least four.
Israeli Military Response
The Israeli military confirmed it had conducted a strike in al-Mawasi, saying it was targeting a Hamas operative. It did not immediately respond to request for comment on the strike in Al-Zeitoun.
Ongoing Violence and Ceasefire Violations
Violence in Gaza has persisted despite an October 2025 ceasefire, with Israel conducting almost daily attacks on Palestinians. Israel and Hamas have blamed each other for ceasefire violations.
Casualty Figures Since Ceasefire
At least 830 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire deal took effect, according to local medics, while Israel says militants have killed four of its soldiers over the same period.
Israeli Justification for Strikes
Israel says its strikes are aimed at thwarting attempts by Hamas and other Palestinian militants to stage attacks against its forces.
Overall Death Toll in Gaza War
More than 72,500 Palestinians have been killed since the Gaza war started in October 2023, most of them civilians, according to Gaza health authorities.
(Reporting by Nidal al-MughrabiEditing by Rod Nickel and Nia Williams)
