Israel Strikes Across Gaza, Killing 24, and Says Militants Attacked Its Soldiers

Israeli forces carried out a series of strikes across the Gaza Strip that killed at least 24 Palestinians, including children and civilians, amid mounting tensions and claims that militants had attacked Israeli soldiers, straining a fragile ceasefire that was meant to curb hostilities.

By David Thompson – News Reporter

Last Updated: Feb. 5, 2026

Israeli Airstrikes Kill 24 in Gaza

Israeli air and ground strikes on Wednesday killed at least 24 Palestinians — including two infants, several children, women and an on‑duty paramedic — according to health officials in the Gaza Strip. The attacks occurred across densely populated areas including Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital area, Deir al‑Balah and Khan Younis, where hospitals received the bodies and wounded, deepening civilian suffering amid ongoing instability. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Israel Says Strikes Targeted Militants After Soldier Attack

The Israeli military claimed the operations targeted and killed three militant leaders and others it said posed threats to its forces. Some strikes were described by the military as responses to recent gunfire by militants that seriously wounded an Israeli reservist soldier in northern Gaza — a claim officials say justified the retaliatory actions. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Casualties Include Family Members and Civilians

Among the dead were members of an 11‑member family reported killed in the Tuffah neighborhood, along with a 12‑year‑old boy and other civilians killed near tents in Khan Younis. Health officials reported dozens more wounded, underscoring the devastating human toll of the flare‑ups. Medical teams and hospital officials highlighted the suffering among noncombatants caught in the strikes. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Fragile Ceasefire Under Strain

The violence underscores mounting strain on a fragile ceasefire that took effect in October 2025. While the deal had reduced some of the most intense fighting since the war began in late 2023, repeated flare‑ups and retaliatory actions by both sides have challenged its durability. Gaza health officials say hundreds of Palestinians and several Israeli soldiers have been killed since the truce’s inception. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

International and Humanitarian Concerns

Arab and Muslim mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, have condemned repeated violations of the ceasefire and called for stronger mechanisms to ensure compliance. Humanitarian groups continue to call for increased aid access and protections for civilians, as health systems struggle to cope with casualties and limited resources amid ongoing insecurity. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}