Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike that targeted a police vehicle in Zawaida in the central Gaza Strip on March 15th. Israel says its attacks in Gaza that have struck and killed police officers have been aimed at eliminating threats to ‌its troops from Hamas. Israeli troops remain deployed in the roughly 53 per cent ​of Gaza under Israel’s control. Hamas accuses Israel of targeting police officers who it says are trying to maintain public security and stability in Gaza following the two-year war. ‘STRIKES AIM TO DISRUPT HAMAS’ SECURITY EFFORTS’Palestinian political analyst Reham Owda said Israel’s attacks on Gaza police highlighted Israeli concerns about Hamas tightening its grip on Gaza in areas under its control.

Source: The Irish Times March 18, 2026 22:42 UTC