The humanitarian zone, known as Muwasi, was sheltering hundreds of thousands of displaced people in harsh winter conditions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorised a delegation from the Mossad, Shin Bet, and the military to continue ceasefire talks in Qatar.
The delegation is expected to depart on Friday as negotiations for a ceasefire deal progress. The US-led ceasefire talks in Qatar have faced repeated setbacks, with no immediate comment from Hamas on the negotiations.
A morning strike in Muwasi killed at least 10 people, including three children and two senior Hamas officers. The Israeli military targeted a senior Hamas police officer involved in gathering intelligence for attacks on Israeli forces.
Another strike in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, killed eight Palestinians, including local committee members securing aid convoys. A further Israeli strike in Khan Younis killed five Hamas policemen, including the head of the Hamas internal security force in southern Gaza.
Israel has faced criticism for targeting police forces, contributing to law and order breakdowns and hindering humanitarian aid distribution. The ongoing war, which began with Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has led to over 45,000 Palestinian deaths.
Despite widespread destruction, Israel maintains it targets only militants, blaming Hamas for civilian casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who had prostate surgery earlier, has vowed to continue military operations until Hamas is completely destroyed.
