Israeli Drone Strike Kills 18 in Gaza Market Amid Aid Crisis

Deir al-Balah, Gaza – An Israeli drone strike on a market in central Gaza has reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 18 Palestinians, according to witnesses and medical personnel. A doctor at the hospital in Deir al-Balah informed the BBC that 18 bodies were transported to the facility's morgue following the incident. It remains unclear how many of the deceased were police officers. Eyewitnesses stated that Israeli drones targeted a Hamas police unit. This unit was reportedly confronting vendors accused of price inflation and selling stolen goods from aid trucks. The Hamas-run Ministry of Interior has strongly condemned the strike, accusing Israel of committing a "new crime" against a police unit responsible for maintaining public order. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has not yet issued a comment regarding the incident. The strike occurs amidst a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where residents continue to face immense difficulties in accessing food. Reports indicate near-daily shootings at and around food distribution sites. The US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which oversees these aid sites, has faced accusations from international aid groups of violating humanitarian principles. Despite these allegations, the foundation recently secured an additional $30 million in funding from the United States to continue its operations in Gaza.