Gaza health officials say Israeli strike on police station kills nine

Nine people, including a child, were killed when Israeli forces struck the Gaza City municipal police headquarters on Wednesday, according to Gaza health officials. The Israeli military claimed they had targeted a Hamas commander inside the facility. Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City reported the arrival of nine bodies, including a woman and a 13-year-old girl, while also admitting at least 20 wounded individuals following the strike.

The Palestinian territory has witnessed ongoing attacks despite efforts by the United States to advance a long-term peace plan. Gaza City's civil defense agency confirmed the death toll, with mourners seen weeping over plastic body bags outside Al-Shifa Hospital. Gaza health officials expressed their frustration, questioning where the Palestinian people could turn while their sons continue to be lost daily, including police officers.

The Israeli military stated that the strike aimed to neutralize terrorists, including four Hamas members and one member of the Popular Resistance Committees militant group, who were allegedly planning attacks against troops in the territory. Prior to the attack, the Israeli military took measures to minimize civilian harm, utilizing precise munitions and aerial surveillance.

Hamas condemned the Israeli strike, accusing the United States of failing to enforce the ceasefire plan they agreed to last October due to its inability to pressure Israel into adhering to commitments. Bassem Naim, a Hamas political bureau member, described the situation as unsustainable, noting that Trump's envoy Jared Kushner had stated progress towards disarming Hamas and advancing the Gaza peace plan could begin within a month.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to support the roadmap, insisting on a genuine disarmament of Hamas before withdrawing troops.