An Israeli airstrike killed a senior officer in the Hamas-run Interior Ministry in the Gaza Strip, health officials and Hamas sources said on Wednesday.

Medics said an Israeli airstrike killed Naseem al-Kalazani, a colonel in the Hamas-run police force, when it targeted his vehicle near the al-Mawasi area in western Khan Younis, south of the enclave. The attack wounded at least 17 other people, they added.

Kalazani led the anti-narcotics force in Khan Younis, Hamas sources said.

Reuters has previously ⁠reported that Israel has intensified its attacks on Gaza's Hamas-run police force, which the terrorist ​group has used to reinforce its hold in the areas it controls in the strip.

There was no ​immediate Israeli comment on the incident.

An explosion is seen during an Israeli strike, in Gaza City March 23, 2025
An explosion is seen during an Israeli strike, in Gaza City March 23, 2025 (credit: REUTERS TV/via REUTERS)

Violence in Gaza has persisted

Violence in Gaza has persisted despite an October 2025 ceasefire, with Hamas frequently breaching the ceasefire and continually refusing to disarm.

Israel says its strikes are aimed at thwarting attempts by Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist groups to stage attacks against its ​forces.

The IDF has not confirmed the strikes at this time.