An Israeli airstrike on a police checkpoint in Gaza has killed nine Palestinians, according to Palestinian officials.
The victims included a female police chief and several police officers.
The attack also killed a 13-year-old girl, according to reports.
At least 15 people were injured in the strike.
Female Police Chief Among Those Killed
Palestinian officials said the attack targeted a civilian police facility in Gaza.
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Among those killed was Colonel Fatena Al-Sahar, a senior female police officer.
Eight other police officers also died in the attack.
A 13-year-old girl was among the victims.
The Gaza Interior Ministry condemned the strike.
It accused Israel of deliberately targeting police forces in the territory.
The ministry said police officers were working to protect civilians.
It also said they were trying to maintain public order during the war.
Israel Says Militants Were Targeted
The Israeli military gave a different account of the attack.
It said the strike targeted militant elements.
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According to the Israeli military, the targets had taken part in attacks against Israel and Jewish settlers.
Israel has repeatedly accused some members of Gaza’s police force of links to Hamas.
Palestinian officials reject that broad description.
They say the police force mainly handles civilian security and public order.
Gaza Ceasefire Has Not Stopped All Violence
The latest attack comes despite the Gaza ceasefire.
Israeli strikes and gunfire have continued in parts of the territory.
Palestinian officials say civilians remain at risk despite the truce.
Several other incidents have also been reported in recent days.
An Israeli drone strike in Gaza City killed police chief Jamal Abu Kmeil, according to Palestinian officials.
Another attack in Khan Younis killed one Palestinian and injured another.
More Than 1,250 Palestinians Reportedly Killed Since Ceasefire
The violence has continued even after the ceasefire began.
According to Reuters, more than 1,250 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire.
The reported deaths include a large number of civilians.
Four Israeli soldiers have also died during the same period, according to the report.
The figures highlight the fragile nature of the ceasefire.
Talks Continue Over Gaza Peace Plan
US officials have continued diplomatic efforts to strengthen the Gaza ceasefire.
American representatives have met mediators from Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye.
The discussions focus on several key parts of a proposed Gaza peace plan.
These include maintaining the ceasefire and the possible disarmament of Hamas.
The talks also cover the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
The reconstruction of Gaza remains another major issue.
Gaza Faces Major Security and Humanitarian Challenges
The latest strike adds to the pressure on Gaza’s civilian population.
The territory continues to face major humanitarian needs.
Basic services and public security remain difficult to maintain.
The future of the ceasefire also depends on progress in diplomatic talks.
For now, continued violence remains a major threat to efforts to establish lasting peace in Gaza.
