Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Israeli Raid in Gaza Kills Palestinians as Hamas Militant Arrested
Israeli forces carried out an operation in Gaza City to arrest a senior Hamas member.
Hamas officials said the operation was discovered before it was finished.
Israel then launched airstrikes as its forces withdrew, according to Palestinian officials and the Reuters report.
Medics said several people were killed, including children, although reports differed on the exact number.
A separate Israeli shooting incident in central Gaza killed a girl named Israa Al-Hissi and wounded two others.
Israel said its attacks were meant to protect its soldiers and stop threats.
Hamas accused Israel of breaking the ceasefire.
The ceasefire ended most large fighting in October 2025, but attacks have continued.
Palestinian officials and medics reported at least four to five deaths, including two children, in Israeli strikes and fire in Gaza.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that a senior Hamas militant was arrested but did not identify him.
An Israeli security official said the detainee was the head of Hamas's internal security service.
Witnesses reported at least 12 missiles near Gaza City's Katiba area, where displaced families were sheltering.
The October 2025 ceasefire has halted large-scale fighting but Israeli strikes and military operations have continued.
- Who
- Israeli forces, Hamas, Palestinian officials and medics, and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz were involved or quoted.
- What
- Israeli forces arrested a senior Hamas militant during a Gaza City operation, followed by airstrikes and additional fire that killed and wounded Palestinians.
- When
- The incidents occurred on Tuesday, September 1; the reports also refer to a ceasefire that began in October 2025.
- Where
- The main operation occurred near the Katiba area in western Gaza City, with a separate incident east of Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza.
- Why
- Israel said its operations were intended to remove threats to its forces and prevent attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups; Hamas said Israel was violating the ceasefire.
Israeli position
Palestinian and Hamas position
Purpose of the operation
Israeli position
Israel said it pursued Hamas members, removed threats to its forces, and sought to prevent attacks by Hamas and other armed groups.
Palestinian and Hamas position
Hamas described the operation as an Israeli special-force raid that was detected before it could be completed.
Airstrikes and civilian casualties
Israeli position
The Israeli military said it struck targets to remove threats to Israeli security forces.
Palestinian and Hamas position
Palestinian officials and medics said the strikes hit a crowded area sheltering displaced families and killed and wounded civilians.
Ceasefire compliance
Israeli position
Israel said its continuing operations were necessary to prevent attacks during the ceasefire.
Palestinian and Hamas position
Hamas accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire and obstructing progress on a broader peace plan.
- Reported deaths
- Reports gave differing totals: at least three people killed in the Gaza City bombardment plus one girl killed in central Gaza in the Reuters report, while another account reported at least five Palestinians killed.
- Arrested militant
- Israel Katz confirmed the arrest of a senior Hamas militant; an Israeli security official identified him as the head of Hamas's internal security service.
- Gaza City strikes
- Witnesses said Israeli warplanes fired at least 12 missiles near the Katiba area.
- Central Gaza victim
- Medics identified the girl killed east of Deir Al-Balah as Israa Al-Hissi.
- Ceasefire
- A U.S.-backed ceasefire that began in October 2025 ended large-scale fighting but did not stop Israeli strikes.
- Reported casualties since ceasefire
- Gaza health officials said more than 1,300 Palestinians had been killed since the ceasefire began, while the Israeli military reported four soldiers killed in militant attacks.
