Seven Palestinians Killed in Gaza Strike on Nakba Day, Israel Says Targeted Hamas Commander

Nakba Day marks the 1948 expulsion of about 750,000 Palestinians during the founding of Israel. This year’s observance coincided with a reported Israeli strike on a residential building and a civilian vehicle in western Gaza City. Since a ceasefire took hold in October, Gaza’s health ministry has recorded close to 850 Palestinian deaths from Israeli attacks. The attack took place on Friday, the day of Nakba commemorations, and witnesses described a massive fire engulfing the struck building.

Medical sources told Anadolu that at least seven Palestinians died and dozens were injured in the two strikes; three victims were in a struck vehicle and four in a hit building in the Rimal neighbourhood. Medical sources also reported that at least 45 people were injured, several in critical condition. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said they aimed at “one of the architects” of the October 7 attacks, identifying the target as Izz al‑Din al‑Haddad, head of Hamas’s armed wing in Gaza. Gaza’s health ministry reports that nearly 850 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire began last October.

The strike adds to the toll of civilian casualties amid an ongoing ceasefire that has not halted violence. Observers note that targeting a senior Hamas figure risks provoking retaliatory fire and could complicate efforts to extend the truce. Humanitarian groups warn that continued attacks on densely populated areas increase the risk of further loss of life and displacement.