IDF reviewing reported death of child in Gaza strike, says he entered building where suspect was targeted

The IDF responds to claims earlier today by Hamas-affiliated Gazan outlets that a 9-year-old boy, Adel al-Najjar, was killed in an IDF strike in eastern Khan Younis.

In response to a query from The Times of Israel, the military says that “earlier today, IDF forces operating in the southern Gaza Strip identified a suspect in the area of the Yellow Line who approached the troops in a manner that posed an immediate threat.”

“Immediately following the identification, the Israeli Air Force struck the suspect in order to remove the threat,” it continues, adding that steps were taken to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance.

“Following an initial inquiry, during the strike, an uninvolved person entered the building and was apparently hit as a result of the strike. The incident is under review,” it says.