JERUSALEM: Israeli forces have conducted a "targeted strike" against an individual in central Gaza, whom they claim was planning to carry out an attack on Israeli troops.

This action occurred amidst an ongoing ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has been in place for just over two years since the conflict in the Gaza Strip began.

Despite the ceasefire, both sides have accused each other of violations.

According to Israeli sources, the targeted individual is alleged to be a member of the Islamic Jihad group.

In response, the Palestinian militant organization issued a statement on Sunday, denying Israel's claims of a planned attack and stating that these allegations were "mere fallacious accusations".

The statement did not clarify whether any members of the group were killed in the Israeli strike.

Witnesses reported to Reuters that they observed a drone striking a car and setting it ablaze.

Local medics treated four individuals who sustained injuries from this incident, though there have been no reports of fatalities thus far.

Separately, witnesses also noted that Israeli tanks engaged eastern areas of Gaza City, the largest urban area within the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military has not yet provided a comment on these developments.

In an unexpected shift in policy, Israel has reportedly allowed Egyptian officials into the Gaza Strip to assist in locating and recovering the remains of hostages taken during the Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, which initiated the recent conflict.

Under the ceasefire agreement, Hamas has committed to returning all abducted hostages.

However, there are still 13 bodies remaining in the enclave.

As of this reporting, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has not responded to requests for comment.