Israeli Defense Forces Strikes on Hamas Amid Rising Tensions

Israeli Defense Forces Strikes on Hamas Amid Rising Tensions

Strikes on Gaza Strip: A Response to Violence

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes on two Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip during Yom Kippur. This is reportedly a response to violent disorders and the release of incendiary balloons near the border. The strikes took place near the commencement of the fast, and in the evening, another Hamas position in the northern part of the Strip was attacked. The Erez Crossing, which acts as a significant checkpoint, is set to remain closed for the sixth successive day due to the ongoing unrest.

The disorders were allegedly perpetrated by approximately 100 rioters near the border fence. Two fires broke out in the Gaza envelope due to incendiary balloons, but they were quickly extinguished. Adding to the escalating tensions, the IDF announced the reinforcement of forces along the Gaza border. The IDF reportedly attacked the Hamas positions using unmanned, remote-controlled aircraft.

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The Escalation of Palestinian Terror Activities

Officials from Palestinian terror organizations have reportedly decided to escalate their activities. This decision was made during a meeting in Beirut, where senior Palestinian officials stressed the importance of maintaining and even escalating terrorist activity in Judea and Samaria.

Just hours before the airstrikes, there were reports of three attempted shooting attacks in the territories. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. However, an IDF soldier was slightly injured during a security forces operation in the refugee camp of Nur al-Shams near Tulkarm in the West Bank. During the operation, there was a reported exchange of fire between the IDF and armed Palestinians, which resulted in the soldier being injured by shrapnel. Reports from Palestinians stated two deaths and several injuries.

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Operations in Nur al-Shams and the Discovery of Weaponry

IDF forces, including units such as Egoz, Yahalom, Golani Brigade, Engineering Corps, Border Police, and Shin Bet, engaged in operations in Nur al-Shams. During the operation, the forces successfully located and destroyed a room allegedly used for warfare management. The room was reported to contain observation equipment, computers, and technological means.

The forces also discovered another room containing many ready-to-use explosives, gas balloon-based explosives, and several components for making explosives. These rooms were successfully located and destroyed. During the operation, IDF engineering tools operated in the camp area to expose explosives buried under the camp roads. The tools uncovered many explosives that detonated, including at least one large explosive. The explosives were supposedly prepared and buried in advance to hit the forces. The Palestinians reported that the deceased were Abd al-Rahman Abu Da’as and A Sayid Jaba’awi, and several others were injured.

Tensions Felt on the Northern Border

On the northern border, tensions were also felt as the IDF used means to disperse demonstrations against a Lebanese engineering vehicle that was seen in observations crossing the Blue Line by about two meters in the Mount Dov area. Two gas grenades were fired from Lebanon towards the area where UNIFIL forces are stationed.

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