IDF Strikes Gaza Targets in Response to Rocket Fire, Killing Several Operatives

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes on various targets in the Gaza Strip on Sunday in response to rocket fire targeting the Israeli cities of Sderot and Ashdod. The targets included tunnel shafts, anti-tank missile launch posts, and other infrastructure belonging to Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza.

The IDF said the airstrikes killed several operatives. However, the attacks also resulted in the deaths of civilian casualties, including three women sheltering in a Rafah apartment on Monday, according to Gaza health authorities.

The airstrikes came after IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi met with Israeli commanders and approved military plans for the "continuation of the war" in Gaza. This followed a conversation between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden about the remaining 133 Israeli hostages in Gaza and aid to Palestinian civilians.

Israel is reportedly giving hostage talks in Egypt one more chance before launching a larger offensive in Rafah, where Hamas is using its control to hold hostages, smuggle weapons, and exploit aid deliveries. The IDF also conducted raids against terrorists in central Gaza and struck dozens of terror sites, including rocket launching positions and observation posts.

Along the Lebanese border, two anti-tank missiles were fired from Lebanon, landing in open areas near Moshav Dovev in the Upper Galilee. The IDF responded by striking the sources of fire and Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

Why this matters: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in over 12,000 Palestinian deaths, including 5,000 children, and displaced around two-thirds of Gaza's 2.3 million residents. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, there are no signs of the conflict abating, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen.

The recent airstrikes and rocket attacks highlight the escalating tensions and violence in the region. "The IDF is determined to defend Israel's citizens, and is prepared for various scenarios, including a resumption of hostilities, in the face of continued terror activities from the Gaza Strip," said IDF spokesperson Ran Kochav. As Egyptian-mediated talks between Hamas and Israel are set to take place in Cairo to discuss a potential ceasefire agreement, the international community remains hopeful for a resolution to the conflict.

Key Takeaways

• IDF conducted airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza in response to rocket fire.
• Airstrikes killed Hamas operatives but also resulted in civilian casualties.
• IDF Chief of Staff approved plans for "continuation of the war" in Gaza.
• Israel considering larger offensive in Rafah, where Hamas holds hostages and smuggles weapons.
• Ongoing conflict has resulted in over 12,000 Palestinian deaths, including 5,000 children.