Israeli gunfire and airstrikes killed at least four Palestinians, including three children, in the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian health officials, amid continued violence despite a ceasefire agreement.
The deaths were reported on September 1, 2026, as Israeli military operations continued across the territory. Witnesses and medical personnel described heavy bombardment in Gaza City, where displaced families were sheltering in crowded areas.
The Israeli military said it had struck several targets in Gaza to address threats to its forces. The latest casualties renewed concerns about civilian safety and the future of the ceasefire.
Airstrikes Hit Areas of Gaza City
According to witnesses cited by Reuters, Israeli warplanes fired at least 12 missiles near the Katiba area in western Gaza City.
The area was crowded with displaced Palestinian families, and medics reported that at least three people, including two children and a woman, were killed in the bombardment. Several others were wounded, while two vehicles were reportedly struck and left badly damaged.
Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the Hamas-run Gaza government media office, said an Israeli special force had attempted an operation in Gaza City before being discovered.
He alleged that the incident was followed by heavy airstrikes involving more than 10 warplanes. These claims were reported by Reuters and could not be independently verified.
The Israeli military said its operations were intended to remove threats to Israeli security forces.
Girl Killed in Separate Incident
In a separate incident in central Gaza, medics reported that a girl named Israa Al-Hissi was killed when Israeli forces operating east of Deir Al-Balah opened fire in the area.
Two other people were reportedly wounded in the same incident.
The reported deaths highlighted the risks facing civilians in different parts of the territory, including families living in areas affected by ongoing military operations.
Medical personnel continued treating people injured in the attacks, although the full extent of the casualties was not immediately clear.
Ceasefire Has Not Ended the Violence
A United States-backed ceasefire that took effect in October 2025 halted large-scale fighting but did not stop Israeli military strikes in Gaza.
Israel has said its operations are necessary to prevent attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. Hamas, meanwhile, has accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire and obstructing efforts to implement a broader agreement aimed at ending the conflict.
The proposed plan includes further Israeli troop withdrawals, the disarmament of Hamas and the eventual reconstruction of Gaza.
However, disagreements over implementation have continued to complicate efforts to secure a lasting cessation of hostilities.
Civilian Deaths Deepen Humanitarian Concerns
The continued loss of civilian lives has intensified concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where many residents have been displaced by the conflict and face serious challenges accessing basic services.
Gaza health officials said more than 1,300 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire began in October 2025, according to figures cited in the September 1 Reuters report. The Israeli military said four of its soldiers had been killed during the same period.
The figures reflect the continuing human cost of violence even after the ceasefire was introduced.
With disagreements between Israel and Hamas unresolved, efforts to move towards reconstruction and a durable peace remain uncertain. The latest reported deaths underline the need to protect civilians and establish conditions that allow humanitarian assistance to reach people in need.