Israel launched attacks on multiple locations in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 14 Palestinians, including 8 who died in a drone strike on a funeral procession at the Nuseirat refugee camp. Hamas accused Israel of continuous ceasefire violations.
On 18 July 2026, foreign news agencies reported that the Israeli military carried out operations striking several areas in the Gaza Strip on Friday, resulting in at least 14 Palestinian deaths. More than half of the fatalities occurred in a drone strike targeting a funeral procession at the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.
Reports state that an Israeli drone attacked the Al-Balatah market near the Ahmad Yassin Mosque while people were gathering for the funeral of Palestinians killed earlier that day in an Iranian attack. Data from Gaza's Civil Defense and Al-Awda Hospital indicated at least 8 deaths and over 20 wounded.
Witnesses said attendees were leaving the mosque to start the funeral procession when the drone directly struck the crowd. This attack highlights that fighting continues despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The Israeli military acknowledged responsibility for the strike, targeting what it called a "terrorist group" in central Gaza. It said it received reports of civilian casualties and is investigating the impact of the operation.
Hamas issued a statement condemning the attack as a "brutal crime," accusing Israel of systematically violating the Gaza ceasefire agreement. It called on mediating countries and the international community to urgently work to stop the attacks.
Source: Aljazeera