An Israeli military strike in central Gaza killed at least seven people and injured others, hospital officials reported. This incident marks the latest increase in attacks on the territory.

The Israeli military stated the attack targeted members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Gaza’s second-largest militant group. The military acknowledged reports that several ‘uninvolved individuals’ might have been harmed.

‘The results of the strike are under review,’ read an official statement. Despite a U.S.-backed cease-fire agreement with Hamas in October, Israel has stepped up its strikes in Gaza. Officials claim these strikes aim at Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants who were involved in a significant attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. This attack resulted in 1,200 deaths and 251 captives, sparking the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Hamas, which controls the majority of Gaza, labeled the recent strike as an ‘ugly massacre.’ They alleged the attack targeted a funeral procession, though they did not specify whose funeral.

The Awdeh Hospital confirmed receiving the casualties from the strike, reporting seven deaths. Dr. Mohammed Salha, a hospital physician, mentioned that another person died in a different incident on the same day.

Residents like Osama Hmaid, 39, from Nuseirat, where the strike happened, noted that the area has seen multiple strikes from Israel in recent days.