10 killed in Israeli shelling, militia clashes at Gaza refugee camp

At least 10 Palestinians were killed and several others injured in Israeli shelling that targeted a school sheltering displaced people east of al-Maghazi camp in central Gaza, amid clashes with militias reportedly backed by Israel, medical officials said.

The wounded were transferred to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah for treatment.

Eyewitnesses told The New Arab that armed gunmen believed to be supported by Israel stormed the school and attempted to detain several Palestinians.

The confrontation reportedly escalated into armed clashes between Hamas-linked security personnel and pro-Israel militants, prompting an Israeli drone to open fire on the area, resulting in multiple casualties.

Drones operated by Israeli forces have frequently accompanied pro-Israel militias during their operations in Gaza, including in assassination attempts such as that targeting Internal Security officer Ahmed Zamzam in December last year.

Sources told The New Arab that the militia involved in Monday’s incident is believed to be a newly formed anti-Hamas armed group led by Shawqi Abu Nassira, a former officer in the Palestinian Authority’s security services. The group has reportedly operated east of Deir al-Balah and across central Gaza.

Residents described chaotic scenes in the densely populated camp, with significant damage reported to nearby homes following the strikes. Witnesses also said drones continued to hover over the area after the attack.

The Israeli military has not issued an immediate comment on the incident.

Hamas’s internal security force, Rad’a, said it had thwarted what it described as "an attempt by mercenary gangs to surround and search homes" near the so-called Yellow Line east of al-Maghazi and to "abduct residents" with Israeli support.

Hamas previously said it had carried out multiple operations across Gaza over the past month aimed at arresting individuals suspected of cooperating with Israel.