Gaza Civil Defence: Israeli attacks kill 6, including Hamas spokesman's bodyguard

Source: AFP

Gaza's civil defence agency and health officials reported that Israeli attacks killed six people across the Palestinian territory on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

A ceasefire remains in place in the Israel-Hamas war, but violence in Gaza has not ceased, and progress toward a final deal to end the war has stalled.

Details of the Attacks

• Nuseirat camp, central Gaza: Two people were killed and several others injured when an Israeli drone struck the area, according to the civil defence agency, which operates as a rescue service under Hamas.
• Other locations: Four additional people were killed in separate attacks, the agency said.

Gaza hospitals confirmed receiving the bodies of six individuals killed in the attacks.

Targeting of Hamas Spokesman

A security source in Gaza said an Israeli drone strike targeted the vehicle of Hazem Qassem, a spokesman for Hamas.

• Qassem was not in the vehicle at the time of the strike.
• The attack killed his bodyguard, who was among the six fatalities reported by the civil defence agency.

Military Response

The Israeli military did not immediately respond when asked about the attacks.

Casualty Figures Since Ceasefire

• At least 1,092 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect in October 2025, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which operates under Hamas authority. The United Nations considers these figures reliable.
• The Israeli military reports losing five soldiers and one civilian contractor in Gaza over the same period.

Reporting Restrictions

Restrictions imposed on media outlets and limited access in Gaza prevent AFP from independently verifying tolls or freely covering the violence there.