At least six killed in IDF strike on Gaza City cafe targeting Hamas commanders

The Israeli military announced Tuesday that it conducted an airstrike in northern Gaza City, targeting Hamas commanders who were allegedly planning attacks against Israeli soldiers. The IDF stated that four terrorists were targeted in the Shati area, identifying one as a company commander and three others as platoon commanders.

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We targeted four terrorists in Gaza - Hamas commanders who gathered at the cafe. One of them is a company commander, and three others are platoon commanders.

A security official speaking to Army Radio confirmed the targeting of "four terrorists in Gaza - Hamas commanders who gathered at the cafe." However, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reported a higher casualty count, stating that six people were killed in the airstrike that occurred near the fishing seaport in western Gaza City. Army Radio also reported six fatalities and an additional 10 wounded from the strike at the cafe.

This operation comes amidst recent policy shifts regarding strikes in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently yielded to US pressure by implementing a new policy that requires approval from IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Col. Eyal Zamir for such operations. An exception is made for immediate threats to IDF soldiers or Gaza border communities, allowing troops to act swiftly to neutralize the danger.

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Israel's policy in Gaza, as clarified to the IDF by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is clear: Remove threats, eliminate terrorists, and exact retribution from anyone who took part in the October 7 massacre.

Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated the government's stance on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Israel's policy in Gaza, as clarified to the IDF by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is clear: Remove threats, eliminate terrorists, and exact retribution from anyone who took part in the October 7 massacre." He added that the IDF acted today in eliminating Hamas terrorists and will continue to do so with force to protect soldiers and ensure quiet in the southern settlements.

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This is how the IDF acted today in eliminating Hamas terrorists, and this is how it will continue to act with force to protect our soldiers and ensure quiet in the southern settlements - from the security zone.