Local health authorities and medical personnel reported that three Palestinian men died in Gaza on Saturday after being struck in two separate air strikes.
According to health officials, one man was killed when a car was hit by an air strike in the Khan Younis area in the south of the Gaza Strip. Medics said two adult brothers were killed in the Shujiaya neighbourhood east of Gaza City in a separate strike.
The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the two strikes.
Health authorities in Gaza say the military has killed more than 680 Palestinians in the territory since a ceasefire with Hamas came into effect in November. They also report that more than 72,000 people have been killed since the wider war began in October 2023.
The incidents occurred against a backdrop of expanding conflict in the region. Israel is now engaged in military action alongside the U.S. against Iran and has launched a new campaign targeting Hezbollah, including operations in southern Lebanon where Israeli forces have invaded.
The Hamas-affiliated Shehab News Agency reported that the two brothers in Shujiaya were killed in an air strike after an Israeli-backed Palestinian militia in Gaza had attempted to abduct them. Neither Hamas nor any other militant group identified the brothers as members.
Witnesses said the two brothers, who were armed with guns, clashed with the militia and were later targeted by drones. Those same witnesses also reported that Israeli tanks opened fire in the area.
Health officials in Gaza noted that violence has continued despite the existing ceasefire and the recent expansion of hostilities related to the Iran conflict. They said at least 40 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the Iran confrontation began a month ago.
The situation remains fluid on the ground and characterized by ongoing incidents that include air strikes, militia activity, drone targeting and tank fire. Local health and medical sources continue to provide casualty figures that reflect the human toll of these separate but interlinked clashes.