Israeli fire killed at least three people, including two children and a woman, in western Gaza City, according to Palestinian medics, with a third child killed separately in central Gaza. The incident matters because it comes amid unconfirmed reports of an Israeli-backed Palestinian militia raid followed by Israeli shelling and air strikes, further complicating an already opaque and volatile situation on the ground in Gaza City.

Initial Palestinian accounts said a special Israeli unit infiltrated a crowded area using a van and motorcycles, though it remains unclear whether those involved were Israeli forces or members of an Israel-backed militia. A local source said a senior Hamas security official was believed to have been the target, and the Israeli military reportedly carried out drone strikes to help extract the unit once its presence was discovered. The Israeli military has only confirmed striking several targets "in order to remove threats to the security forces," stating no troops were injured, while Defence Minister Israel Katz separately announced the arrest of a senior Hamas official, though it is unclear if this is linked to the Gaza City incident.