A Hamas official was killed in Gaza amid ongoing violence and stalled peace efforts.

On January 12, 2026, a Palestinian militia supported by Israel claimed responsibility for the drive-by shooting that killed Mahmoud al-Astal, a senior Hamas police official, in Khan Younis, Gaza. Israel denied any involvement in the attack, but Hamas accused Israeli collaborators. The murder took place in the midst of a precarious ceasefire that has been in place since October 2025, as Gaza gets ready for a "Board of Peace" mediated by the United States to assume governance, despite the fact that important components of the peace plan have not advanced. Three Palestinians were killed in a different Israeli drone strike close to the Morag corridor; Israel claimed the Palestinians were an immediate threat. According to Gaza's health ministry, more than 440 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have died since the ceasefire started. There are still demonstrations in Gaza calling for the release of detainees, including one who passed away while in Israeli custody.