Israeli military forces carried out operations against Hamas in parts of Rafah and other areas within Gaza, as reported by the Israel Defence Forces on Thursday.
In Rafah’s “Brazil” and “Shaburah” neighborhoods, soldiers discovered rocket launchers and tunnel shafts, engaging in face-to-face encounters that resulted in the elimination of several Hamas militants.
Additionally, Israeli airstrikes targeted and neutralized a three-man Hamas unit launching rockets at Israeli troops in Rafah.
In the Jabalya area of northern Gaza, IDF forces conducted raids on Hamas facilities storing weapons. Seized arms included Kalashnikov rifles, explosives, grenades, sniper rifles, ammunition, and combat gear.
Central Gaza also saw Israeli airstrikes that eliminated a group of six terrorists hiding inside a building, one of whom had previously infiltrated Israel on October 7. Another Hamas unit was targeted and eliminated after entering a building.
Hamas is reportedly attempting to regroup in northern and central Gaza amidst these operations.
Meanwhile, humanitarian aid comprising 370 pallets of food and shelter supplies was delivered via an American floating pier, following a brief suspension due to Palestinian looting of aid trucks. An additional 281 aid trucks entered Gaza through the Kerem Shalom and Erez West crossings.
The conflict between Hamas and Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7 resulted in significant casualties, including 1,200 deaths and 252 Israelis and foreigners taken hostage. Currently, about 128 hostages remain, with an estimated 40 fatalities among them.