An Israeli air strike in the al-Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City killed six family members overnight, according to local medical officials. The victims were identified by relatives as Firas al-Masri, his wife Salsabeel, and their four children: Faryal, Salma, Amira, and Naim. Video footage from the scene showed the family's apartment on fire following the strike.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the operation targeted a Hamas operative. Military officials said they are currently reviewing the results of the strike. This incident follows a series of recent Israeli military actions targeting individuals allegedly involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.
The United Nations human rights office issued a statement following the strike, noting an intensification of military activity in Gaza. Spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan reported that 57 Palestinians were killed in strikes on residential and crowded areas between July 13 and July 20. Al-Kheetan expressed concern regarding potential violations of international humanitarian law.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 73,290 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began in October 2023. The war started after a Hamas-led attack on Israel resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the taking of 251 hostages.