Israeli fire kills three in Gaza City during reported raid, medics say

Israeli special forces reportedly captured a senior Hamas official during a ground operation in Gaza City, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The captured individual, whose name Netanyahu withheld, was involved in efforts to restore Hamas' governance and deceive regarding Gaza's demilitarization. Israeli military and Shin Bet security service confirmed the arrest and subsequent transfer of the detainee to Israel for questioning.

However, the operation resulted in at least four Palestinian casualties, including two children and a woman, according to medics. Hamas condemned the incident as a "grave crime" and a violation of the ongoing ceasefire. Subsequent Israeli air strikes during the raid targeted several locations in the densely populated Katiba area, leading to chaos and casualties among the civilian population.

Witnesses reported Israeli bombardment, with reports of a vehicle firing indiscriminately for over 15 minutes. Hamas and Palestinian officials denounced the Israeli actions, with Hamas describing the raid as a "serious crime" and a disregard for civilian lives. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet later stated that the operation aimed to apprehend the Hamas internal security chief and neutralize threats to their forces.

In a separate incident, a Palestinian girl was reportedly killed by Israeli gunfire east of Deir al-Balah. Israel claimed it targeted a Hamas military wing commander, stating he posed an immediate threat.