Three Palestinian police officers were killed and several others were injured after an Israeli drone targeted a vehicle in the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza on Friday. The attack took place near the entrance to the camp in Deir al Balah and has drawn strong condemnation from Palestinian authorities, who accused Israel of deliberately targeting members of the civilian police force despite an existing ceasefire agreement.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of the Interior and National Security, the victims were carrying out their duties when their vehicle was struck. The ministry identified those killed as Captain Mansour Sami Shahtout, Captain Mohammed Khaled Nofal and First Sergeant Mahdi Nader Jabr. Officials described the strike as a serious violation and said it reflected a continued effort to create instability and disorder across the Gaza Strip.
Local media reported that an Israeli combat drone fired at least two missiles at the vehicle, causing it to burst into flames. Witnesses at the scene said the attack happened on Salah al Din Street near the entrance to the Maghazi refugee camp. Videos shared from the area showed the damaged vehicle engulfed in fire as emergency teams rushed to the scene. The bodies of those killed were later taken to Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al Balah while several injured people received medical treatment.
The Interior Ministry called on the international community and countries involved in guaranteeing the ceasefire agreement to take immediate action. Officials urged them to pressure Israel to stop targeting police personnel and public institutions, arguing that such attacks weaken law enforcement and increase the suffering of civilians already facing difficult conditions after months of conflict.
Although a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States came into effect in October last year, both sides have continued accusing each other of violating its terms. Air strikes, military operations and casualties have continued to be reported across different parts of Gaza, raising concerns that the agreement has failed to bring lasting peace.
Meanwhile, Hamas said discussions are continuing with Palestinian groups and regional mediators to ensure the full implementation of the ceasefire. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said talks are focused on completing the remaining parts of the first phase of the agreement while preparing for the second phase. He added that a joint delegation from Hamas and other Palestinian factions is expected to visit Cairo soon to present its response to new proposals offered by international mediators.
Qassem said earlier understandings reached with mediators had been welcomed before new proposals were introduced for further discussion. He expressed hope that ongoing diplomatic efforts would convince Israel to fulfil its commitments, particularly those related to humanitarian assistance and relief measures that were supposed to be implemented during the first phase of the agreement.
He also accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire by restricting aid deliveries and continuing military operations inside Gaza. According to Hamas, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since the truce began. Qassem further claimed that Israeli forces had expanded restricted areas inside Gaza, leading to additional displacement and the destruction of homes. He called for stronger international efforts to support humanitarian relief and reconstruction, warning that the humanitarian crisis would continue to worsen if the current situation remained unchanged.
