Early Thursday morning, the Israeli occupation committed a crime by assassinating Major General Mahmoud Salah, the Director-General of Police in the Gaza Strip. He was targeted in an airstrike while in Khan Yunis Governorate, resulting in his martyrdom along with Major General Hossam Shihwan, a member of the Police Leadership Council.

The martyrs were performing their humanitarian and national duties in serving the Palestinian people amidst ongoing Israeli aggression.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Interior and National Security in Gaza described the act as part of the occupation's efforts to deepen chaos in the Strip and exacerbate the humanitarian suffering of civilians. The statement emphasized that this crime blatantly disregards international laws that prohibit targeting civilian police forces. Major General Mahmoud Salah, who served in the Palestinian police force for over 30 years, sacrificed his life to ensure public safety and strengthen security in Gaza. He played a pivotal role in addressing significant security challenges posed by the occupation.

The ministry affirmed that the pure blood of high-ranking leaders shed today is no more valuable than the blood of Palestinian people across all age groups.

Reiterating its commitment, the ministry declared it would continue its relentless efforts to confront aggression and uphold Palestinian rights, undeterred by the challenges.

It added that this crime would not deter it from countering all attempts by the occupation to spread chaos. The ministry stressed that the police forces and its agencies would persist in serving the Palestinian people through all available means and remain steadfast in combating Israeli terrorism in all its forms.