In a military operation on Tuesday morning, Israeli fighter jets conducted a series of attacks, striking over 100 targets in Gaza, as revealed by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).
The IDF reported that the targets included tunnel shafts and military installations utilized by the Palestinian extremist organization Hamas.
According to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza, at least 52 people lost their lives in the airstrikes.
The IDF’s report highlighted the elimination of a terrorist cell in Jabalia that had attempted to plant explosives near an Israeli tank, with ground troops engaging the fighters before a fighter jet intervened.
Independent verification of these claims remains challenging.
Additional Hamas fighters were reported killed in the southern city of Khan Younis on the preceding day, according to the Israeli army.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a visit to the sealed-off coastal strip, declared an escalation of operations against Hamas. He emphasized Israel’s commitment to “intensify the fight in the coming days.”
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The current offensive by the Israeli army stems from an earlier event, labeled the worst massacre in Israel’s history, carried out by terrorists affiliated with Hamas and other groups on October 7.
The attack resulted in the death of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of around 240 hostages. Some hostages were later released during a brief truce.
In response to these events, Israel initiated a widespread campaign involving massive airstrikes and a ground offensive, resulting in a reported death toll of over 20,600 people, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza.
The situation remains fluid, with developments unfolding rapidly.
(NAN)