Early on Tuesday morning, Israeli aircraft conducted targeted airstrikes on Islamic Jihad positions within the Gaza Strip. These attacks led to the deaths of at least nine individuals and left several others injured. The primary targets were the residences of senior commanders within the Palestinian militant group.
Tensions have been escalating between Israel and militants operating in the area, with no immediate confirmation from Islamic Jihad regarding their involvement in recent incidents. These raids are part of a larger effort by Israeli authorities to apprehend Palestinians suspected of planning or executing attacks against Israelis.
According to reports released early Tuesday by Palestinian sources, three Islamic Jihad commanders were killed during these airstrikes alongside their wives and children. In response to inquiries about these events, Israel stated that its strikes were aimed at countering "incessant aggression on the part of the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization." This comes after a week where 102 rockets had been fired toward southern Israel; Lt. Col Richard Hecht – spokesperson for Israel Defense Forces (IDF) – explained that these strikes specifically targeted members affiliated with Islamic Jihad.
The Palestinian-based movement provided further details regarding those who perished during this series of air assaults: along with three high-ranking officers within their ranks, casualties included multiple family members such as spouses and children.
As tensions continue to rise between both parties involved in this conflict, it remains unclear how future engagements will unfold - but one thing is certain: this latest round of violence has resulted in significant loss for all sides involved