Gaza conflict sees multiple civilian deaths including children in Israeli attacks

Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least nine Palestinians in recent incidents, among them a 9‑year‑old girl, Tala Abu Matar, and a 10‑year‑old boy, Muataz Abu Shaar. The attacks also claimed the life of senior Hamas police chief Mohamed Marwan Salem and several other civilians, including a 36‑year‑old man in Khan Younis.

Health officials report that the death toll from Israeli operations since the October cease‑fire took effect exceeds 1,100, while over 73,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began. The violence continues despite the truce, with sporadic air and ground strikes reported in Rafah, Jabalia and other parts of the enclave. Nearly the entire two‑million‑strong population remains displaced, living in makeshift tents and damaged buildings along Gaza’s narrow coastal strip.

Hamas leaders are in Cairo for talks on the second phase of the U.S.‑backed peace plan, which includes discussions on disarmament and Israeli withdrawal, but no breakthrough has been reached.