Gaza Violence Escalates as Ten Die in Israeli Strikes Following Militia Clashes
Gaza, 7 April 2026
At least ten Palestinians were killed on Monday near Maghazi refugee camp when Israeli airstrikes targeted Hamas security forces after they clashed with an Israeli-backed militia. The confrontation began when the militia established a checkpoint east of the camp, triggering fighting with Hamas personnel before Israeli drones intervened to support the militia group. This latest escalation occurs amid ongoing tensions over weapons disarmament under Trump’s peace plan, with over 720 Palestinians killed since the ceasefire began six months ago.
Immediate Impact on Refugee Populations
The violence near Maghazi refugee camp has created immediate safety concerns for the thousands of Palestinians sheltering there. A spokesperson for al-Aqsa hospital in Deir al-Balah confirmed that the bodies of 10 people from the scene had been brought to the facility, with dozens of others wounded and some in critical condition [1]. The incident underscores the precarious position of refugee populations caught between competing armed groups, with Palestinian civilians bearing the brunt of escalating violence in areas where they seek shelter.
Sequence of Monday’s Deadly Events
The exact sequence of Monday’s events remains unclear, though witnesses provided details about how the confrontation unfolded [1]. Members of an Israeli-backed militia established a checkpoint east of Maghazi refugee camp, where they came under attack from Hamas security personnel, triggering clashes between the groups [1]. Israeli drones subsequently intervened to support the militia, carrying out strikes on Hamas personnel in three separate locations [1]. The strikes reportedly targeted Hamas security personnel who had clashed with members of the militia east of Maghazi refugee camp [1]. However, it remains unclear how many of the ten fatalities died in the airstrikes versus the ground fighting [1].
Broader Pattern of Ceasefire Violations
This incident represents the latest in a series of violent episodes that have plagued Gaza despite a ceasefire agreement reached almost six months ago. At least 723 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire began, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry [1]. The Israeli military has reported that five of its soldiers have been killed in attacks by Palestinian groups over the same period [1]. Israel and Hamas have accused each other of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement [1], creating an environment of persistent instability that particularly affects refugee communities who lack secure shelter options.
Disarmament Disputes Complicate Peace Process
The violence occurs against the backdrop of stalled negotiations over Palestinian disarmament, which has emerged as one of the key stumbling blocks for progression to the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan [1]. Last week, a Hamas delegation met Egyptian, Qatari and Turkish mediators in Cairo to give its initial response to a proposal from the US-led Board of Peace for Palestinian groups to decommission their weapons [1]. However, on Sunday, the spokesperson for Hamas’s military wing rejected any discussion of disarmament before Israel fulfilled its commitments under the first phase of Trump’s plan [1]. Abu Ubaida, the Hamas military spokesperson, stated: ‘We will not accept raising the issue of weapons in this crude manner. What the enemy failed to take from us by tanks and destruction, it will not take from us through politics or at the negotiating table’ [1]. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously warned Hamas that it will be disarmed ‘either the easy way or the hard way’ [1], highlighting the intractable nature of the disarmament issue that continues to fuel violence affecting civilian populations.