Israeli strikes in Gaza and West Bank kill five Palestinians

An Israeli airstrike on northern Gaza killed two Palestinians, while three others were shot dead in the occupied West Bank, according to Palestinian authorities and the Israeli military. Israel said the Gaza strike targeted militants, and said its forces shot a Palestinian who had stabbed an Israeli soldier and later killed another in a separate incident.

Since the U.S.-backed cease‑fire began in October 2025, more than 1,160 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers have been reported killed. Palestinian medics say most of the Gaza dead are civilians. The United Nations human‑rights office warned that civilian deaths continue despite the truce, recording at least 57 Palestinian fatalities between 13 and 20 July, and noting the expansion of Israel’s so‑called “yellow line” to cover about 65% of Gaza’s territory.

The incidents occur amid heightened tension over Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank, which the international community regards as illegal under international law.