An Israeli airstrike has killed at least five police officers and a 13-year-old boy in the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza police. The attack, which occurred in the at-Twam area of northern Gaza, also wounded at least 10 other people, with sources at al-Shifa Hospital reporting at least one civilian death on a nearby street.

The incident comes as Israel continues its military operations across Gaza, despite a ceasefire that has been in place since October 10, 2025. Gaza police stated that two missiles struck a police post, and described the event as part of a pattern of deliberate targeting of police and law enforcement structures in the territory.

Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, noted that the strike on the police post is significant as the Gaza police force, numbering 10,000, has become a point of contention in discussions related to advancing a US-backed plan for the region. The Israeli military has conducted near-daily attacks since the ceasefire began, maintaining a stringent security regime.

These attacks on law enforcement personnel further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, hindering efforts to distribute aid. Israel has imposed strict limitations on the entry of humanitarian supplies, even under the supposed ceasefire meant to increase aid flow. The strikes risk creating further chaos and dismantling civilian order, potentially worsening a power vacuum.

The targeting of police makes securing aid convoys more challenging and increases the likelihood of hijacking and looting, according to Mahmoud. The ongoing conflict, which began after Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in a significant death toll. Since the ceasefire took effect, 883 Palestinians have been killed, adding to the overall toll of at least 72,775 Palestinians.

In the past 48 hours, hospitals across Gaza received the bodies of eight Palestinians and treated 29 wounded individuals, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The attacks on police infrastructure also occur amidst broader Israeli military actions, with reports of dozens wounded in other Israeli attacks in the preceding 48 hours.

The Gaza police directorate characterized the strike as a deliberate act, emphasizing a consistent pattern of targeting security personnel and facilities. This pattern is seen as an attempt to destabilize the territory and undermine any semblance of local governance or order.

Discussions surrounding the future of Gaza and potential peace initiatives have been complicated by the role and security of the local police force. The continued Israeli military actions, even under a ceasefire agreement, raise questions about adherence to international norms and the potential for de-escalation.