IDF targets Hamas commanders in Gaza, Palestinian sources say nine people killed in strikes

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday that its Air Force conducted airstrikes targeting two Hamas commanders in Gaza. One of the targeted commanders was identified as having participated in the October 7th attack. The military stated that both individuals were involved in planning attacks against Israeli soldiers in the Strip. Subsequently, the IDF reported striking another Hamas commander in the Tuffah area of Gaza.

However, Palestinian sources, citing the Hamas-led Health Ministry, reported a higher casualty count from a separate airstrike on a police post in Gaza City, which allegedly killed nine Palestinians. Medics told Reuters that an additional Palestinian was killed in the Nuseirat strike, bringing the day's reported death toll to at least 10. The IDF maintained that steps were taken to mitigate civilian harm prior to the Nuseirat strike, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance.

In parallel operations, the IDF announced the successful sealing of two Hamas tunnels located in the Gaza Strip. The Gaza Division Combat Engineers were responsible for the operation, which secured tunnels measuring a combined length of over two kilometers. Drone footage released by the IDF depicted the extensive underground structures. The military also asserted that its troops operating in the area are adhering to the existing ceasefire agreement while continuing efforts to neutralize immediate threats.