Israel Strikes Hamas Militants in Gaza, Killing 7; Indirect Ceasefire Talks Begin in Egypt

An Israeli airstrike killed at least seven Palestinians, including two women, and wounded 15 others when it struck a large tent encampment in central Gaza City on June 6, 2026. Medics said children were among the wounded. An Israeli military spokesperson stated that the strike targeted “terrorists” but gave no further details.

Egypt began hosting a new round of indirect talks on June 6 between Hamas and other Palestinian factions. The discussions are expected to last several days and focus on implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire and movement toward a second phase.

Hazem Qassem, a Hamas spokesperson in Gaza, said the talks would focus on Israel's implementation of the first phase, and reaching common ground on proceeding toward the second phase.

Hamas told mediators that ending Israeli attacks, increasing aid deliveries, and an Israeli withdrawal to agreed ceasefire lines are required for progress. S. envoys from Trump's Board of Peace are participating in the Cairo talks.

U.S. President Donald Trump has left Israel in control of more than half the Gaza enclave. Indirect talks on a second phase of the deal, including Hamas disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawals, have stalled.

Some 950 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since the truce began, according to Gaza health officials. Four Israeli soldiers have been killed by militants during the same period, Israel's military has said. Israel says its strikes aim to thwart imminent attacks and that it allows aid and goods into Gaza.

The broader war that began with Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023 has left nearly 73,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza health authorities. Israel says 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage in those initial attacks.