An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza killed at least eight people and wounded 22 others on Friday, July 17th, 2026, according to Palestinian health and civil defense officials.

The strike occurred in the Al-Balata market area of the Nuseirat refugee camp during a funeral procession, as reported by Gaza's civil defense agency, which operates under Hamas authority. The Al-Awda hospital confirmed receiving the eight deceased and 22 wounded.

The AFP news agency cited civil defense spokesman Mahmoud Bassal confirming the timing of the strike during the funeral.

Israel's military (IDF) stated it targeted a "terrorist cell" belonging to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group in the central Gaza Strip. The IDF acknowledged the possibility of civilian harm, saying, "The IDF is aware of the claims that several uninvolved individuals were harmed as a result of the strike. The results of the strike are under review."

Since a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect in October 2025, aimed at halting ongoing conflict sparked by the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks, Gaza's Health Ministry reports that at least 1,127 Palestinians have died.

Sources