Gaza Airstrikes Leave Two Dead, Seven Wounded, Including 4-Year-Old Boy

Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least two Palestinians, including a four-year-old boy, and wounded seven others, according to Palestinian health officials.

The strikes occurred on Sunday in two separate locations, as violence continued despite a U.S.-mediated ceasefire that has substantially reduced the intensity of the conflict but has not stopped deadly attacks.

One of the attacks struck a building in Zawayda, in central Gaza, after residents had reportedly received a warning to evacuate.

According to Palestinian medics, the strike caused extensive damage and injured civilians as debris was sent flying from the building. The four-year-old boy was among those killed in the attack.

A second Israeli airstrike struck the Nuseirat refugee camp, with Palestinian health officials reporting another fatality.

The Israeli military said it was investigating the incidents. Israel has maintained that its military operations in Gaza are aimed at preventing attacks by Palestinian militants and targeting members of Hamas.

The latest deaths come amid continuing uncertainty over the future of the ceasefire and wider diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, while Israel has continued to argue that military action is necessary to address threats from armed groups operating in Gaza.

The latest strikes also follow a series of deadly incidents in the territory in recent days. Reuters reported that an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza police station on August 19 killed nine Palestinians, according to medics, while other strikes earlier in the week killed additional Palestinians.

The renewed violence has raised concerns about efforts to maintain the ceasefire and revive negotiations aimed at securing a longer-term settlement.

The situation remains particularly dangerous for civilians, with children continuing to be among those caught in attacks.

The death of the four-year-old boy is likely to further intensify criticism of the continuing military operations and pressure on the parties to protect civilians and preserve the ceasefire.

The casualty figures in this report are based on statements from Palestinian health officials and medics. The circumstances of the strikes remain subject to investigation by Israeli authorities.