Full Breakdown
Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza City Residential Buildings Kill at Least Nine Amid Ceasefire
6/4/2026, 10:00:21 PM
Deadly Dawn Strikes
In the pre-dawn hours of 4 June 2026, Israeli aircraft struck four residential apartments in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan, Tel al-Hawa, Shati refugee camp and the Muhabarat area, killing at least nine Palestinians—including five family members—and wounding at least 15.
Background and Ceasefire
The raids came after the U.S.–brokered ceasefire that began on 10 October 2025, intended to halt fighting that started after Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel. The second-phase talks on Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawals remain stalled.
Casualties and Impact
Health officials recorded nine deaths—five family members (parents and three children) and four others—plus injuries to women and children. The family was killed in the Lebid building in Muhabarat; other victims were in Sheikh Radwan, Tel al-Hawa and Shati camp. Gaza’s health ministry estimates 930-936 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire, without a civilian-combatant breakdown.
Official Statements and Responses
The Israeli Defense Forces gave no comment. Israeli officials say strikes target “imminent security threats” and that aid continues to flow. The Hamas-run Civil Defence confirmed two children with disabilities were among the dead. Gaza’s Health Ministry, deemed reliable by UN agencies, provided the figures.
Criticism and Opposition
Palestinian civilians call the ceasefire ineffective; the Palestinian Civil Defence called the scenes “difficult and horrifying,” and some label the truce a “lie.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Eyewitnesses said explosions ignited fires inside apartments; video on Palestinian social media showed charred interiors and debris. Neighbor Khalil Batran reported being awakened at 2:30 a.m. and finding “pieces of flesh” in the rubble.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
BBC reports at least 11 deaths, Reuters ten, most outlets nine, showing divergent tallies. Video verification remains pending and no source gives a civilian-combatant breakdown for these attacks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We were woken up by the strike at 2:30 a.m. We found pieces of flesh and people were sleeping. They say the war is over but the war is not over,” — Khalil Batran, neighbour
- “There is no safety in Gaza ... Every day they fire at us from there and strike us with missiles. It's futile.” — Khalil Batran, neighbour
- “The Palestinian Civil Defence described the scenes at the site as “difficult and horrifying”.” — Palestinian Civil Defence
Outlook
Indirect talks on the ceasefire’s second phase remain deadlocked over Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawals. Mediators urge renewed diplomatic progress, but civilian casualties risk persists.
