At least 14 Palestinians were killed across the Gaza Strip following Israeli attacks, according to reports on July 18, 2026. Most of the victims were attending a funeral when Israeli forces launched a drone strike in the Al-Balata market area of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Witnesses said the attack occurred outside Ahmad Yasin Mosque as mourners gathered for a funeral of another person killed earlier in the same area.
The Israeli military acknowledged conducting the strike, claiming it targeted a “terrorist group,” but said it was investigating reports of civilian casualties. The attack came about nine months after a ceasefire with Hamas was declared, yet Israeli operations have reportedly continued almost daily. Al Jazeera journalist Hani Mahmoud stated that the ceasefire was being disregarded as civilians were attacked during a funeral.
Hamas condemned the strike, accusing Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire and killing innocent civilians while the international community fails to take effective action.