Israel conducts military operation in civil zone of Gaza
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) declared on Monday night that they had targeted key Hamas terrorists, who were operational within a command hub situated within a humanitarian zone, in Khan Younis, Gaza.
The operation was executed under the guidance of the Israeli Security Agency and the Air Force, and measures were implemented to lessen potential harm to civilians, as stated in a communique.
Prior to the attack, various measures were implemented to minimize the risk of injuring civilians, such as employing precise ammunition, conducting aerial reconnaissance, and implementing other preventative measures, the statement also added.
Following the strike, Gaza's Civil Defense spokesperson, Mahmoud Bassal, confirmed that emergency services and medical teams were actively working to manage the situation.
Viral footage circulating on social media and shared by Hamas media outlet Al Aqsa TV depicted Gaza Civil Defense personnel excavating in the sand as they searched for missing individuals. Clothing and footwear were visible scattered across the area. CNN has been unable to confirm the authenticity of the footage.
The IDF has implicated Hamas and other armed groups operating in the Gaza Strip of repeatedly exploiting civilian and humanitarian infrastructure, including the designated Humanitarian Area, to perpetrate terroristic activities against Israel and its forces.
This situation is evolving and will be updated accordingly.
The IDF's accusations against Hamas and other groups in Gaza Strip extend to using civilian and humanitarian infrastructure, such as the Humanitarian Area in Khan Younis, for terroristic activities. Despite this, international efforts should be made to ensure the safety and protection of civilians in the Middle East, given the fragile state of the world.
