Israel strikes Hamas terrorists involved in October 7 attack
Photo: Israeli jets strike Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip (Getty Images)
The Israeli Air Force has carried out several airstrikes against terrorists involved in the October 7, 2023, attack near the Israeli city of Khan Yunis. Casualties among the militants have been reported, reports the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
The airstrikes were carried out based on intelligence gathered by the Military Intelligence Directorate and the Shin Bet security service.
According to military sources, the IDF took steps to minimize civilian casualties during the strikes, including using "munitions adapted to the type of strike," aerial surveillance, and other intelligence data.
Palestinian media have reported several casualties as a result of these strikes.
Attacks will continue
On Monday, January 6, Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi assessed the situation and discussed it with commanders in the Jabalia area of the Gaza Strip.
During his speech, Halevi stated that the IDF would continue its strikes on Palestinian militants until Israeli hostages were fully freed.
"I want you to know that I am looking at the situation that Hamas is in. They see, every single day, what you are doing to them, and they understand that this is becoming unbearable. And I’m telling you — we won’t stop. We will bring them to the point where they understand that they must return all the hostages," Halevi said.
Israeli military operation in Gaza
During the Palestinian Hamas movement's invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023, around 1,200 civilians were killed. Militants took 251 hostages. According to Israeli sources, about half of the 100 hostages are still alive.
In May 2024, under the mediation of Qatar and Egypt, negotiations between Israel and Hamas began regarding a ceasefire and a hostage exchange. However, the negotiations have been slow and have not yet yielded success.
At the end of December, Hamas and Israel accused each other of delaying the ceasefire, despite progress in the talks.
On January 6, Hamas reportedly approved a list of hostages for exchange in the event of a ceasefire. However, Israel stated that it had not received any such lists.
