The Israeli military carried out a precise operation targeting Hamas members in Gaza on Thursday, following a strike that killed relatives of a senior Hamas leader.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh confirmed that his sons and grandchildren were among those killed in the Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza on Wednesday.
The Israeli military described the operation in central Gaza as intelligence-based and aimed at eliminating terrorist operatives and infrastructure.
There is uncertainty about whether this operation was connected to the previous strike targeting Haniyeh’s sons, who were allegedly planning terrorist activities.
The Israeli military stated that the Haniyeh sons killed were involved in Hamas’s military operations, with one brother also linked to holding hostages.
The strike occurred amidst efforts to negotiate a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza, with disagreements hindering progress.
Analysts believe the strike was meant to send a message to Hamas leadership during negotiations, rather than a direct attack on senior figures.
The Israeli military’s focus on precision operations comes amid mounting international criticism of the conflict in Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s threat of a ground invasion in southern Gaza has raised concerns, with calls for alternative approaches to targeting Hamas.
The Biden administration has urged Netanyahu to reconsider invasion plans and explore other strategies to address the conflict.
