Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza.
Gaza Airstrike: An Israeli airstrike killed Gaza’s internal security chief and another senior officer in Deir al-Balah on Sunday, according to the territory’s Interior Ministry, as the Health Ministry reported nine additional Palestinian deaths across the enclave over the past 24 hours.
The Interior Ministry said Col. Wael Mousa al-Ladawi, head of the Internal Security Directorate in central Gaza, and Maj. Ramez Tawfiq Abu Zureiq were travelling in a vehicle when an Israeli aircraft struck it.
Two senior officials killed
In a statement, the ministry said the two officers died after the strike targeted their vehicle in central Gaza.
Furthermore, it said the attack occurred despite a ceasefire agreement that Gaza authorities say has been in effect since October 10, 2025.
Casualties continue to increase
Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry said hospitals received the bodies of nine Palestinians during the past 24 hours. The figure included seven people killed in recent attacks and two others who later died from previously sustained injuries.
In addition, the ministry said 36 injured people were admitted to hospitals during the same period.
According to the ministry, the overall Palestinian death toll since October 2023 has reached 73,326, while the number of injured has risen to 173,997.
Humanitarian conditions remain severe
Health officials said many people remain trapped beneath rubble or stranded on roads because ongoing hostilities have prevented ambulances and civil defence teams from reaching them.
Moreover, Gaza authorities said that despite the reported ceasefire, Israeli military operations have continued. They claim at least 1,200 Palestinians have been killed and 3,888 others injured since the ceasefire took effect.
The war has caused widespread destruction across Gaza and left the territory’s 2.4 million residents facing a deep humanitarian crisis.
