An Israeli operation in Gaza City on Tuesday aimed at capturing a senior Hamas militant led to deadly airstrikes in the area, resulting in the deaths of at least five Palestinians, including three children, according to Gaza health officials.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the detention of a high-ranking Hamas figure, identified by an Israeli security source as the head of Hamas’ internal security service. The raid reportedly involved a covert ground operation to apprehend the militant.

Hamas spokesman Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the Gaza government media office, stated that an Israeli special forces unit attempted the operation but was detected during the attempt. He said Israeli forces responded with heavy airstrikes after the raid was uncovered, causing multiple casualties and injuries.

Israeli media outlets suggested that the raid may have been conducted by members of an Israeli-backed militia operating from Israeli-controlled sections within Gaza. Witnesses reported that at least 12 missiles were launched by Israeli warplanes near the Katiba neighborhood in western Gaza City, a densely populated area where many displaced families reside.

The bombardment struck two vehicles, leaving them destroyed, and killed four civilians, including two children and a woman, medical sources in Gaza said. Another child was reported killed by Israeli fire in central Gaza during the same period.

The incident underscores ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, with Israeli officials citing security operations against militant figures, while Gaza authorities condemn the strikes for causing civilian casualties. No independent verification of casualty figures was immediately available.