GAZA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) said on Tuesday that Israel's targeting of civilian police officers in the Gaza Strip aims to "sow chaos," calling on the countries mediating the ceasefire agreement to assume their responsibilities regarding Israeli practices.
In a press statement, the movement said that the targeting of a police vehicle by Israeli air forces earlier Tuesday is "a continuation of the ongoing crimes in the enclave and confirms the occupation government's intention to continue its efforts to thwart progress in implementing the ceasefire agreement."
The movement added that the intensification of the "targeting of civilian police officers comes within the context of the Israeli government's relentless pursuit to sow chaos in the Gaza Strip, weaken the security apparatus, and provide an opportunity for its proxy militias to implement its malicious agendas."
The statement called on the U.S. administration, as a guarantor of the ceasefire agreement, and the mediators to assume responsibilities in halting the violations.
Earlier, the Hamas-run interior authorities in Gaza said in a brief statement that Israeli warplanes targeted a police vehicle on al-Nafaq Street in central Gaza City, killing four people, including a police officer and a child, and wounding nine others.
The Israeli army has not yet commented on the attack.
In recent weeks, the Israeli army has targeted security checkpoints and police vehicles in various parts of the Gaza Strip, resulting in deaths and injuries. It typically justifies such operations by claiming they target armed elements or potential threats.
The developments come amid continued tensions and violations of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, which has been in place since October 10. ■
