Israel Airstrike Kills Senior Gaza Police Chief as Violence Persists Despite Ceasefire | ChatZyr

GAZA CITY

An Israeli airstrike killed Brigadier-General Abdel-Nasser Al-Maqadma, the head of the police force in northern Gaza, on Saturday, according to Gaza's Interior Ministry and Palestinian medical officials, as continued Israeli strikes across the enclave left at least five Palestinians dead despite an October ceasefire that has failed to halt near-daily violence.

Al-Maqadma, who also served as governor of northern Gaza, was killed in the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood north of Gaza City. Considered one of the highest-ranking police officials still serving in northern Gaza after nearly two years of conflict, his death marks another significant blow to the enclave's civilian security administration.

The Israeli military said Al-Maqadma was affiliated with Hamas' military wing, describing the strike as part of operations targeting members of militant organisations. Israel has killed dozens of Gaza police officers and senior officials during the war, maintaining that many simultaneously served within Hamas' armed structure.

Hamas has consistently rejected those allegations, saying Gaza's police force performs civilian law enforcement duties and accusing Israel of targeting police headquarters and personnel to create disorder and weaken public institutions. The group says such attacks violate the US-brokered ceasefire reached in October.

Multiple strikes reported across Gaza

Violence continued elsewhere in the enclave throughout Saturday.

In the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, an Israeli strike killed a Palestinian medic, according to local health officials. Medical sources also reported that a police officer who had been critically wounded in an earlier Israeli attack died from his injuries.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment on either incident.

Further south, an Israeli airstrike struck a residential home in Khan Younis, killing two Palestinians. The Israeli military said the strike targeted a fighter affiliated with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad armed group.

Later the same day, another strike in Khan Younis killed Khaled Al-Breim, a recent high school graduate whose family said he had been preparing to celebrate completing his final examinations before beginning university.

Relatives said Al-Breim had gone to buy sweets for family members and visitors gathered at his home to congratulate him when he was killed.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the circumstances surrounding the student's death.

Ceasefire under growing strain

Although the October ceasefire ended months of full-scale fighting between Israel and Hamas, targeted Israeli airstrikes and clashes have continued almost daily across Gaza.

According to Gaza health authorities, more than 1,180 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed since the truce took effect. During the same period, Israel says four of its soldiers have been killed in Gaza.

Israeli officials say military operations continue because Hamas and other armed groups remain active inside the territory and continue to pose security threats.

Peace negotiations remain deadlocked

International mediators, including Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye and the United States, have continued efforts to broker a broader agreement aimed at ending the conflict permanently.

Negotiations have centred on proposals reportedly backed by US President Donald Trump, including the disarmament of Hamas, further Israeli military withdrawals and arrangements for Gaza's future governance.

Despite months of diplomacy, no major breakthrough has been announced, and the latest violence underscores the difficulties facing negotiators seeking a lasting settlement.

Humanitarian crisis deepens

The renewed strikes come as humanitarian conditions across Gaza continue to deteriorate.

According to Palestinian health officials, more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its military campaign following the October 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, during which Israeli authorities say approximately 1,200 people were killed and around 250 hostages were taken into Gaza.

Israel says its military campaign is intended to dismantle Hamas' military capabilities and secure the release of the remaining hostages.

Meanwhile, aid organisations warn that nearly all of Gaza's 2 million residents have been displaced at least once during the conflict, with many living in overcrowded shelters, damaged buildings or makeshift camps while facing severe shortages of food, clean water, medicine and other essential supplies.

Why it matters

The killing of one of northern Gaza's most senior police officials highlights the fragile state of the October ceasefire, which has reduced large-scale fighting but failed to end military operations. As negotiations remain stalled and humanitarian conditions continue to worsen, the latest strikes demonstrate how elusive a lasting peace remains for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Developing Story: Officials on both sides are expected to release additional information as investigations and military assessments continue.

Published on ChatZyr.net

Written By Editorial Desk | Team ChatZyr

Disclaimer: This report is based on information obtained from credible and publicly available sources at the time of publication. Statements made by parties to the conflict have been attributed where appropriate. Details may evolve as further official information becomes available.