Israel conducted its first air strike in Gaza in over a week on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, ending a relative lull in hostilities as the United States pushed a peace initiative. The Israeli military stated it targeted a Hamas commander accused of planning attacks against Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. A military statement said, “The terrorist was struck in an aerial strike in order to remove the threat to IDF troops,” and added that efforts were made to mitigate civilian harm.

However, Gaza’s civil defence agency, a rescue service under Hamas, reported that the strike in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza targeted civilians riding in a tuk-tuk. The attack killed Mohanad Saada, whose body was described as “torn to pieces,” and wounded five others, according to the civil defence agency and al-Shifa Hospital. A witness said Saada was among workers repairing a wall damaged by Israeli shelling.

This strike marks a significant escalation after more than a week without Israeli air attacks in the area.

Sources