GAZA CITY – Israeli air strikes on January 2 killed at least 68 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, including the head of the enclave’s Hamas-controlled police force, his deputy, and nine displaced people, according to Gaza authorities.
The attack occurred in the Al-Mawasi district, a designated humanitarian zone for civilians in the ongoing 14-month war between Israel and Hamas. The director-general of Gaza’s police department, Mahmoud Salah, and his aide, Hussam Shahwan, were killed while checking on residents of the camp, the Hamas-run Gaza interior ministry reported.
The Israeli military confirmed an intelligence-based strike in Al-Mawasi, targeting Shahwan, who they claimed led Hamas forces in southern Gaza. The military did not mention Salah’s death.
Philippe Lazzarini, head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), emphasized the lack of safe zones in Gaza, stating, “Everyday without a ceasefire will bring more tragedy.”
The January 2 death toll was among the highest in recent weeks. Other Israeli air strikes killed at least 57 Palestinians in various locations, including the interior ministry headquarters in Khan Younis, Jabalia refugee camp, Shati camp, Maghazi camp, and Gaza City.
The Israeli military stated it targeted Hamas militants operating in a command and control center embedded inside the Khan Younis municipality building in the Humanitarian Area. The military claimed to follow international law and take precautions to mitigate civilian harm, while accusing Gaza militants of using residential areas for cover. Hamas denies these accusations.
Hamas’ ally, Islamic Jihad, fired rockets into the southern Israeli kibbutz of Holit on January 2, with the Israeli military intercepting one projectile.
Since the war began, Israel has killed over 45,500 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, and the territory is in ruins. The conflict was triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, cross-border attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken to Gaza.