Israel says it carried out an airstrike in Gaza targeting Ali al-Amoudi, described by its military as the most senior Hamas figure currently operating in the territory.
The strike hit an apartment in Gaza City’s Rimal neighbourhood early Saturday, killing five people, including four women, according to officials at Al-Shifa Hospital. Israeli authorities said they were still assessing whether al-Amoudi was killed or wounded.
The Israeli military identified al-Amoudi as a close associate of the late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and accused him of playing a role in planning the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
It also alleged that he had been involved in Hamas’ efforts to rebuild its military capabilities following the conflict.
According to the military, the target was located inside an apartment building, prompting the strike. Israel said it took measures to reduce civilian casualties and used precision weapons during the operation.
The attack occurred on the anniversary of the October 7 assault according to the Jewish calendar. The attack killed 1,221 people in Israel, based on an AFP tally drawn from official Israeli figures, and triggered Israel’s prolonged military campaign in Gaza.
Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayaa, who is based in Qatar, has remained involved in the group’s diplomatic efforts. In July, Hayaa agreed to a United States-backed proposal that would require Hamas to surrender its weapons, although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the move as lacking sincerity.
Meanwhile, Gaza health officials said the Israeli offensive has killed more than 74,200 people and devastated large parts of the territory.
The latest strike also claimed civilian lives. Hospital officials said the five people killed included two women and their daughters, as well as a man.
The civil defence agency said two missiles struck the apartment directly, causing a fire and damaging the building.
Two of the victims were Christians, according to the hospital director. Their relatives later gathered at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza City for their funeral.
One relative, Ihab Ayad, condemned the attack, saying the victims were civilians who had been inside their home.
About 1,000 Christians, most of them Orthodox, remain in Gaza, while the wider Palestinian Christian population is concentrated in the West Bank.
Gaza health officials also reported that more than 1,440 people have been killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire was announced a year ago. Israel, meanwhile, has reported five military deaths and the death of one civilian contractor during the same period.
