Israeli Airstrike in Northern Gaza Leaves Nine Dead, Dozens Injured, Health Officials Say

An Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, killed at least nine people and injured several others on Saturday, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. This incident marks the deadliest attack in the region since a ceasefire agreement was reached in January.

The ministry reported that multiple casualties, including individuals with severe injuries, were transported to Gaza’s Indonesian Hospital for urgent medical care.

The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted two individuals it identified as “terrorists” who were allegedly operating a drone that posed a threat to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops. The military further claimed that after the initial strike, additional individuals retrieved the drone equipment and entered a vehicle, which was subsequently struck by the IDF.

While Israeli military operations in Gaza have continued since the ceasefire, the number of casualties had significantly declined in recent weeks. Saturday’s attack has raised concerns about a potential escalation of violence in the region.

The identities of those killed and the full context of the incident remain under investigation. The strike has drawn condemnation from Palestinian officials, who accuse Israel of violating the ceasefire, while Israeli authorities maintain the operation was a targeted response to an immediate threat.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation as tensions in the region remain fragile.