An Israeli strike in Al-Mawasi, southern Gaza, resulted in the deaths of at least 11 Palestinians, including the director general of Gaza police and a deputy, as reported by local officials on Thursday. The casualties included Maj. Gen. Mahmoud Salah and Maj. Gen. Hussam Shahwan, both key figures in the Palestinian Police Command Council.
Gaza’s interior ministry condemned the attack, accusing Israel of undermining law and order in the region. The ministry stated that the assassination of the police officials was a deliberate attempt to spread chaos and deepen the suffering of citizens in Gaza.
Following the Hamas-led attacks in October 2023, Israel's offensive has severely impacted the law infrastructure in Gaza. The presence of armed groups has hindered relief efforts in the territory, which is already facing aid restrictions, hunger, disease, and mass displacement.
Human rights agencies have raised concerns about Israel's aid restrictions, citing challenges such as lengthy truck inspections, damaged roads, and strikes on aid convoys. The United Nations warned of a collapse of law and order in Gaza, with incidents of trucks being looted at gunpoint.
The ongoing conflict has taken a heavy toll on Gaza, with thousands of Palestinians killed or injured. The Ministry of Health reported over 45,000 fatalities and more than 108,000 injuries. The war has devastated families, healthcare systems, and entire neighborhoods, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Al-Mawasi, previously designated as a humanitarian area by Israel, has been a frequent target of attacks. Displaced Palestinians seeking refuge in the region have endured harsh living conditions, residing in makeshift tents made of cloth and nylon.
