Palestinian reports: Unusual strikes in Gaza City
According to reports, 4 Palestinians were killed in more than 18 airstrikes amid ground clashes. Palestinian sources claim special forces entered the city, with intense, non-stop explosions reported. Saudi channel Al-Hadath suggests the operation aimed to foil the kidnapping of a prominent figure. The IDF confirmed strikes were conducted to neutralize threats.
Palestinians reported this morning, Monday, on unusual activity by Israeli security forces in Gaza City and exchanges of fire with forces on the ground. According to Palestinian sources, four people were killed and several were wounded in more than 18 airstrikes.
Palestinians claimed that special forces entered the villa area in the city and that "intense explosions are heard without stopping" in the west of the city near the American hospital. According to the reports, "heavy fire is taking place on the ground alongside strikes from the air."
The Saudi channel Al-Hadath reported that the background to the strikes was an attempt by a local militia collaborating with Israel to kidnap a prominent figure. The attempt was exposed, which led to Israeli aerial intervention.
The IDF stated that it struck several targets in the Gaza Strip with the aim of removing threats to security forces. There are no casualties among the forces.
The reports came from the Al-Katiba area in the west of the city, a large and central public area of about 25 dunams. The area is considered one of the symbolic spaces in the city and has been used over the years for demonstrations, rallies, prayers, and political events.
UNRWA sent a message warning its employees in the area:
"For your safety, please avoid movement in the vicinity of the Al-Katiba area due to the dangerous situation. All UNRWA personnel are requested to exercise extreme caution and contact the operations room with any questions."
About two weeks ago, the IDF carried out other unusual strikes in the Gaza Strip, when it eliminated a terrorist who infiltrated Israel on October 7 as well as a group of Hamas operatives. Palestinians reported then on six dead, and the IDF spokesperson stated that a platoon commander in the military wing of Hamas was attacked in the Nuseirat refugee camp area. Later, it was reported that the army and the Shin Bet attacked a commander in the terrorist organization in the Daraj Tuffah area, along with other terrorists who were planning plots against IDF forces. A day earlier, seven people were killed in a strike on a cafe in the Gaza port, and according to the IDF spokesperson, Nukhba commanders in Hamas who were holding a meeting there were attacked, including one identified as a terrorist who raided Israel on October 7.
