Israeli Airstrike Kills Hamas Police Chief and Ten Others in Gaza

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In a recent Israeli airstrike targeting the Hamas police force in Gaza, the chief of the Hamas-run police, Mahmoud Salah, and his deputy, Hussam Shahwan, were killed alongside nine others, including three children. Medics reported the fatalities occurred during an overnight attack on a tent camp housing displaced families in al-Mawasi, near Khan Younis. The Hamas-run interior ministry condemned the attack as an "assassination," asserting that Salah and Shahwan were engaged in humanitarian duties.

Israel's military justified the strike, claiming it aimed at Shahwan, whom they labeled a "terrorist" involved in planning attacks against Israeli forces. This incident is part of an escalating conflict, with over 30 additional deaths reported across Gaza due to other Israeli strikes on the same day. Amidst ongoing violence, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate; recent cold and wet weather has exacerbated conditions for displaced families, flooding more than 1,500 tents.

The Israel Defense Forces stated they took measures to minimize civilian casualties, while the Gaza interior ministry accused Israel of spreading chaos and deepening humanitarian suffering. The conflict has resulted in more than 45,580 reported deaths in Gaza since October 7, 2023, when hostilities surged following an unprecedented attack by Hamas on southern Israel.

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