1 killed in Israel’s first Gaza strike in over a week
Israel on Wednesday carried out its first air strike in more than a week in Gaza, both sides said, breaking a relative lull as the US pressed a peace plan. The Israeli military said it targeted a Hamas commander, charging that he had been planning attacks against Israeli forces operating in the war-battered territory. “The terrorist was struck in an aerial strike in order to remove the threat to IDF troops,” a military statement said, adding that it tried to mitigate civilian harm. Gaza’s civil...
Source: South China Morning Post · August 12, 2026 at 6:43 PM · AI-assisted report
KUALA LUMPUR, 13 AUGUST 2026 —
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Israel has carried out its first air strike in over a week in the Gaza Strip, killing one person and wounding five others, according to reports from both sides. The strike, which targeted a Hamas commander, broke a relative lull in the conflict as the US presses a peace plan to end the war.
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The Israeli military stated that the commander was planning attacks against Israeli forces operating in the territory, and that the strike was carried out to remove the threat to its troops.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for years, with periodic outbreaks of violence and attempts at ceasefire agreements. In recent months, the US has been pushing a peace plan, which includes a ceasefire deal and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. However, the plan has been met with resistance from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed not to withdraw Israeli forces until Hamas is fully disarmed.
Despite this, Israel had largely complied with the plan by avoiding major strikes, until the latest air strike on Wednesday.
The latest strike occurred in the northern Gaza Strip, in the area of Beit Lahia, and targeted a group of civilians riding in a tuk-tuk, according to Gaza's civil defence agency. The strike killed Mohanad Saada, and wounded five other people, including workers who were repairing a wall damaged by Israeli shelling. The Israeli military stated that it had tried to mitigate civilian harm, but the strike has been widely condemned by Palestinian authorities.
The incident has raised concerns about the fragile ceasefire agreement and the prospects for a lasting peace in the region.
The impact of the conflict on Malaysia is limited, but the country has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause. Malaysia has consistently spoken out against Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip and has provided humanitarian aid to the affected population. The latest strike is likely to be condemned by the Malaysian government, which has called for an end to the violence and a lasting solution to the conflict.
However, the direct economic impact on Malaysia is expected to be minimal, as the country's trade and investment ties with Israel are limited.
The strike has significant implications for the companies operating in the region, particularly those involved in the defence and security sector. The Israeli military's actions in the Gaza Strip have been widely criticized, and companies that supply equipment and services to the Israeli military may face reputational risks and potential boycotts. On the other hand, companies that provide humanitarian aid and services to the affected population may see an increase in demand for their services.
Details not yet available on the specific companies that may be affected by the latest strike.
The outlook for the conflict remains uncertain, with the US peace plan facing significant challenges and opposition from both sides. The latest strike has raised concerns about the fragile ceasefire agreement and the prospects for a lasting peace in the region. The international community, including Malaysia, will be closely watching the developments in the region and calling for an end to the violence and a lasting solution to the conflict.
The Israeli and Palestinian authorities will need to work together to find a way forward, and the US will need to continue to play a key role in facilitating the peace process. Details not yet available on the next steps in the peace process, but it is clear that a lasting solution will require significant efforts and compromises from all parties involved.
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