Israel kills five Palestinians as forces deepen military advance in Gaza City

Five Palestinians were killed on Thursday in Israeli airstrikes, drone attacks, and artillery bombardment across the Gaza Strip, as Israeli ground forces expanded their presence in eastern Gaza City. This occurred despite a ceasefire that took effect in October 2025, which Palestinian authorities accuse Israel of repeatedly violating. Incidents included a strike in Khan Younis killing Anas Hamdan, a drone strike near Gaza City seaport killing Nihad Riyad Arouq, and artillery fire in Zeitoun killing Ibrahim Khattab. Additionally, Mohammed Al-Rifi and Suhail Ahdaibi were killed by a drone near Al-Sanfour Junction. Israeli armored vehicles advanced, pushing the "Yellow Line" security zone further west, forcing families to flee. The Gaza Health Ministry reports 1,127 Palestinian deaths and 3,643 injuries since the ceasefire, and 73,250 deaths and 173,751 injuries since October 2023, with 90% of civilian infrastructure damaged or destroyed.