The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted operations over the weekend that resulted in the deaths of two individuals in southern Gaza. The military stated that the operation targeted two suspects who crossed a designated ceasefire line, known as the yellow line, and engaged in what it described as "suspicious activities" that posed a threat to Israeli soldiers.

According to a report from The New York Times, the IDF said in a statement that after identifying the suspects, the Israel Air Force "eliminated the suspects in order to remove the threat."

However, officials at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, who received the bodies, identified the deceased as two children, aged 9 and 10. The children's family identified them as brothers Fadi and Juma Abu Assi. The family stated the boys had left their home to gather wood in Bani Suheila, a neighborhood near the demarcation line. The IDF statement did not mention the individuals targeted were children.

It remains unclear how or why the boys were near the line. This incident occurs amidst ongoing and escalating Israeli military engagements across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Syria.

In a separate incident the day prior, IDF soldiers in Jenin shot and killed two Hamas militants. The IDF stated it is investigating reports that the militants had their arms in the air and were surrendering at the time. This follows another ongoing investigation into the December 2023 deaths of three Israeli hostages in Gaza, who were shot by IDF soldiers while reportedly waving a white flag and calling out in Hebrew.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Health authorities in Gaza report the death toll surpassed 70,000 on the weekend. The scale of civilian casualties has drawn international scrutiny, including from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials for alleged crimes.

The IDF states that it operates within international law and takes precautions to minimize civilian harm, though critics argue the civilian casualty rate indicates otherwise. Accountability for actions during the conflict remains a subject of international debate and legal proceedings.