GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Four Palestinians, including two children, were killed in Central Gaza after an Israeli drone strike targeted a residential area, local officials reported. The strike caused significant damage to nearby homes and left several others injured.

According to witnesses, the drone strike struck a densely populated neighborhood, with explosions sending debris flying and damaging surrounding buildings. Emergency services rushed to the scene, rescuing survivors and transporting the injured to local hospitals.

Medical officials confirmed that the two children killed were under the age of 12. Several others were injured, suffering from shrapnel wounds and more severe trauma.

Local residents described chaotic scenes as families fled damaged buildings and sought safety. The strike has further heightened fears among civilians in the area, who have already endured weeks of ongoing conflict.

Humanitarian organizations expressed concern over the repeated targeting of residential areas, warning that continued attacks are putting civilians, including children, at extreme risk.

Israeli authorities stated that the strike targeted militants in the area, though Palestinian officials said the victims were civilians. This incident follows a series of escalating air and drone attacks in the Gaza Strip, as the conflict between Israeli forces and Palestinian groups intensifies.

The international community has called for restraint and urged both sides to avoid civilian casualties. Human rights groups condemned the deaths, emphasizing the need for accountability and protection of noncombatants in conflict zones.

As investigations continue, residents of Central Gaza remain on high alert, fearing further attacks as the humanitarian situation in the area continues to deteriorate.