Israel launches airstrikes in Gaza after militants fire on soldiers

Israel said it launched airstrikes in the Gaza Strip after militants opened fire on its soldiers overnight, critically wounding one. Gaza health officials said the attacks killed at least 21 Palestinians, including several children, and the Palestinian Red Crescent said a paramedic was killed while trying to help the wounded in Khan Younis.

The Israeli military said one strike targeted Bilal Abu Assi, whom it described as a platoon commander in the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, and expressed regret for any harm caused to uninvolved civilians. Israeli officials acknowledged reports that a Bilal Abu Assi had been reported killed in July 2025 and said they were looking into the similarity; the military said steps were taken to mitigate civilian harm, including the use of surveillance and precise munitions.

The violence, nearly four months into a fragile truce, prompted Israel and Hamas to accuse each other of breaking the cease-fire.

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