As reported earlier, the IDF launched a sudden attack in Gaza early Tuesday, targeting 80 locations simultaneously. The attacks, which began at 2:10 a.m., lasted under 10 minutes, with all of the targets being hit within just two minutes, according to the IDF.
These strikes were aimed at mid-level Hamas commanders, including battalion and company leaders, rather than top military figures. The operation also targeted government officials, such as the head of Hamas’ Shura Council, as well as the justice and interior ministers and the group’s prime minister. The IDF carried out the mission in close coordination with the Shin Bet, with Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar overseeing it along with IDF leadership, the military confirmed.
After the operation, the Home Front Command eased some of the restrictions on civilians living in the Gaza border area, allowing schools to reopen where shelters are accessible. Additionally, train services in the south are expected to resume within 48 hours, pending security evaluations.
The IDF explained that it is working under a “gradual, evolving battle plan” in its campaign against Hamas, adjusting the operation’s intensity and scope as assessments unfold. “We present professional recommendations to the political leadership,” the military stated. “We also held a situation assessment with the Hostages and Missing Persons Directorate today.”
On Tuesday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the Gaza Strip, touring Rafah alongside Gaza Division Commander Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram. “Your mission is to protect the communities,” Zamir told the troops. “We are engaged in a continuous operation against Hamas while remaining fully committed to bringing the hostages home.”
Along with the Gaza operation, the IDF also struck artillery positions in Khan Arnabeh, Syria, after identifying a potential threat to Israeli territory. At the same time, Israel intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward the Negev region, near Saudi Arabia.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree took responsibility for the missile launch, stating the group had fired a Palestine 2 hypersonic ballistic missile at Israel. “If Israeli strikes in Gaza do not stop, we will expand our list of targets in Israel in the coming hours and days,” Saree threatened.
The IDF acknowledged the potential risks to hostages as the fighting continues, noting that Chief of Staff Zamir has ordered all necessary precautions to be taken. However, officials admitted that intelligence is not always complete, and that “there is no 100% certainty” when conducting operations.
As hostilities intensified, Hamas spokesman Abdel Latif al-Qanua asserted that the group had not rejected the ceasefire proposal made by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. “Witkoff’s proposal was on the negotiating table. Hamas did not reject it and responded positively,” al-Qanua said, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of restarting the conflict in order to “sabotage the agreement.”
Al-Qanua further alleged that Israel had tightened its blockade, closed border crossings, and refused to negotiate the next phase of the deal in an effort to derail the ceasefire and renew the war.
“Hamas’ interest was to continue the ceasefire,” al-Qanua said. “We will remain flexible and engage with mediators to push back against aggression and force Israel into an agreement.”
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