In a recent development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli army has launched strikes on two underground facilities believed to house senior commanders and leaders of the Islamist movement, Hamas.
The announcement was made by Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the chief spokesman of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
According to Rear Admiral Hagari, the first bunker targeted housed several Hamas commanders, including Ahmed Randor, the commander of a brigade in northern Gaza, and Ahmed Siam, the commander of Hamas’ rocket brigade.
In the second underground facility, members of the senior political leadership of Hamas were reportedly present, including Assam Dalis, the head of the government of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Rawhi Mushta, and Sameh el Sarg, all considered part of the inner circle of Hamas’ leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinuwar.
While Hagari did not confirm the fate of these Hamas representatives, he did acknowledge significant damage to the bunkers.
Israel asserts that it is entering a “second phase” of the war, with Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Herzi Halevi, stating that the goal of destroying Hamas operations in northern Gaza will soon be achieved.
The IDF’s actions were not limited to Gaza, as reports emerged of Israeli attacks on targets in Syria. The Bashar al-Assad regime claimed that missiles were intercepted near Damascus.
Additionally, operations were carried out in Jenin in the West Bank, with drone strikes occurring, resulting in at least five casualties, according to health authorities in Ramallah.
The Israeli army, however, contends that these actions targeted terrorists, resulting in the seizure of weapons.
The conflict has taken a toll on both sides, with at least 190 Palestinians reported dead since the war began, according to the West Bank health ministry.
Mobile and internet services in Gaza faced disruptions, with Palestinian telecommunications companies attributing the issue to fuel shortages affecting power generators.
In a preceding announcement, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant revealed that the western part of Gaza City had come under Israeli control, marking a significant development in the military’s strategic objectives.
As the situation unfolds, the international community continues to monitor the evolving dynamics of the conflict, with concerns over the humanitarian impact on civilian populations and calls for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the tensions.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members