Israeli strike kills five in Gaza, including four women, health officials say

Palestinian health officials report that an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City early Saturday claimed the lives of at least five Palestinians, including four women. Among the deceased was a Christian mother and her young daughter. Medics confirmed the identities of the victims. No immediate statement was provided by the Israeli military.

The attack destroyed the targeted apartment building and ignited a fire. Eyewitness Ahmed Al-Dahdouh recounted the chilling scene, saying, "We were asleep and suddenly heard continuous strikes, and heavy explosions. The children woke up startled and started running and screaming. We ran out and found that our neighbor's house was struck, with dismembered martyrs, women, men, and children scattered under the rubble."

The last US-brokered Gaza ceasefire, signed last year, aims for the eventual reconstruction of the territory. However, progress towards implementing the deal, which includes terms for Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw its troops, remains minimal. Israel, citing Hamas's alleged rearming and attacks in violation of the ceasefire, has intensified strikes against the group in recent weeks.

Hamas, in turn, denies involvement in attacks and accuses Israel of undermining the peace deal. Gaza health officials have documented over 1,400 Palestinian deaths from Israeli fire since last October's ceasefire, while Israel reports four of its soldiers killed by militants in Gaza during the same period.