Israeli Air Strikes Result in 17 Palestinian Deaths Amid Ongoing Tensions

Wed Feb 04 2026 15:44:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent air strikes in Gaza by Israeli forces reportedly killed at least 17 Palestinians, including children, following an armed incident involving Israeli soldiers. The violence raises concerns over the fragile ceasefire in the region.

In a significant escalation of violence, Israeli air strikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 17 Palestinians, including six children. This retaliation came after an attack on Israeli soldiers, which raises serious concerns about the ongoing ceasefire agreement that has been in place since the conflict reignited in October 2023. Both sides accuse each other of violating the truce amid ongoing tensions in the region.

At least 17 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes in the north and south of Gaza, hospitals say.

Israel's military claimed the air strikes were in response to fire from 'terrorists' which seriously wounded a soldier. The strikes are said to be a retaliation for what the Israeli military termed a blatant violation of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

Casualties included children, with six reported deaths in the strikes on Gaza City and Khan Younis. Al-Shifa hospital received bodies of 13 people, including five children, from strikes that hit homes in the Zeitoun and Tuffah neighborhoods. Meanwhile, Nasser hospital reported four deaths, including one child, from attacks in Qizan Rashwan.

Since the ceasefire initiated on October 10, both Israel and Hamas have regularly accused each other of violations. Reports indicate that Hamas-controlled health services have recorded at least 529 Palestinian deaths since the escalation of conflict in October 2023, while Israeli forces have reported the loss of four soldiers due to Palestinian attacks.

The conflict was reignited after a major Hamas-led attack on Israel in early October, which resulted in significant casualties and the taking of hostages. Israel's subsequent military response has reportedly led to over 71,800 Palestinian deaths.