Hospitals report several killed in Gaza City strike targeting Hamas commander

What happened

BBC Middle East Gaza reports that local hospitals in Gaza City say at least 10 people, including five children, were killed in an Israeli strike late Wednesday. The attack appears to have targeted Hamas battalion commander Imad Asleem, who was killed alongside his teenage daughter Israa and buried on Thursday, though Hamas has not officially commented on the incident.

The central claim remains unconfirmed in the supplied material and should be treated as hearsay until corroborated by another reliable source or a named official. The Israeli military issued a brief statement saying it struck "two central Hamas terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip" without naming the individuals, describing the strike as part of ongoing efforts to target senior Hamas leadership. Footage from the attack shows a heavily damaged residential building and destroyed tents in a nearby displaced persons camp, with around 20 people reportedly injured.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes in the aftermath. Raslan Bajou described neighbors as severely injured and recounted the impact on his family, including his wife's wounds. Um Azzam al-Zaim reported seeing children’s bodies after the strike damaged tents where families had gathered to celebrate Eid al-Adha with chocolates.

Known from the source

• Local Gaza City hospitals report at least 10 people killed, including five children, in an Israeli strike on a building.
• Imad Asleem, a Hamas battalion commander, and his teenage daughter Israa were killed and buried Thursday.
• The Israeli military stated it struck two central Hamas terrorists in northern Gaza but did not name them.
• The strike damaged a residential building and nearby displaced persons camp tents, injuring around 20 people.
• Previously, Hamas military wing leader Mohammed Odeh and family members were killed in an Israeli strike.

What remains unclear

This strike follows a recent series of Israeli attacks on Hamas commanders, including the killing of Mohammed Odeh, the newly appointed Hamas military wing leader, along with his wife and two sons. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz reiterated public pledges to eliminate those responsible for the October 2023 attacks, underscoring ongoing military targeting of Hamas leaders over the past weeks.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Casualty figures for the strike and precise identities of all those killed and injured. Official Hamas comment on the strike and the death of Imad Asleem. Verification of whether the strike was specifically aimed at Imad Asleem and confirmation of Israeli military targeting details.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: BBC Middle East Gaza. Open the source.