Israel killed head of police force, Gaza’s ministry of interior says

What Happened

On 13 August 2026, an Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle in western Gaza City, killing Colonel Jamal Abu Kamil, the Gaza City police chief, and critically wounding two others, according to the Gaza Ministry of Interior. Reuters reported that Abu Kamil was one of two Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes that day. Additionally, an Israeli strike on a motorbike in western Khan Younis resulted in one fatality and one injury, while a separate drone strike in Beit Lahiya on 12 August 2026 left one person critically wounded, as reported by Gaza medics.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The targeted killing of a high-ranking police official and the continuation of near-daily Israeli strikes highlight the fragility of the ceasefire that has been in effect since 10 October 2025, suggesting persistent operational friction despite formal diplomatic agreements.

Watch For

Monitor for potential retaliatory actions by local security forces or armed factions in response to the death of the Gaza City police chief and further reports on the status of the 10 October 2025 ceasefire agreement.