Kathmandu— The head of the civil police force in Gaza City, Colonel Jamal Abu Kamil, 43, was killed by an Israeli drone strike on Thursday while traveling on al-Rashid Street, southwest of the city, also injuring two others. The attack occurred just one day after Israel ended a weeklong pause in air raids on the Gaza Strip, though deadly ground attacks continued during that period despite what Israel termed a “ceasefire.” Israel claims Abu Kamil was a Hamas commander, an assertion denied by both the Gaza police force and Hamas itself.

Escalation of Hostilities

The killing of Colonel Abu Kamil follows a pattern of Israeli strikes targeting individuals they claim are affiliated with Hamas. Earlier on Thursday, another strike in Khan Younis killed one person and critically wounded another, again with Israel alleging the victim was a Hamas commander without providing supporting evidence. These attacks mark a clear resumption of hostilities after a temporary halt to air raids.

Disputed Ceasefire and Peace Plan

Israel had halted air raids for over a week following pressure from the United States, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 15-point Gaza Peace Plan. The plan called for Israeli withdrawal and Hamas disarmament, which Hamas initially accepted as a means to avoid further escalation, contingent on Israel first withdrawing its forces and ceasing attacks. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the agreement on Sunday, stating that Israeli forces would not withdraw until Hamas was “genuinely disarmed.”

Rising Palestinian Death Toll

Since the implementation of a ceasefire on October 10, 2025, Israel’s near-daily attacks have resulted in over 1,250 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. The Palestine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has called for the immediate implementation of the US-backed Gaza Peace Plan, while also condemning ongoing Israeli attacks against Palestinians returning to Gaza and settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

The resumption of strikes raises concerns about a further escalation of conflict in the region, despite international efforts to broker a lasting peace agreement. The situation remains volatile as both sides continue to accuse each other of violating existing agreements.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.