Israel Deals ‘Hardest Blow’ to Hamas Since 2014 Gaza War
Israel has carried out its biggest attack against Hamas militant targets in Gaza since the war in 2014, Prime Minister PM Benjamin Netanyahu says.
The raids were a response to rockets fired into Israel, he said, pledging more if necessary, but Palestinians said a ceasefire had been agreed.
Palestinian health officials said two people were killed and 12 injured in an air strike in Gaza City. Three Israelis were hurt by one of more than 90 rockets fired on Israel.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it had struck facilities used by Hamas, which dominates Gaza, including a battalion headquarters in Beit Lahia, a training camp located in a high-rise building in the al-Shati refugee camp in northern Gaza, weapons storage facilities and rocket launchers.
“In consultation with the minister of defence, the chief of staff and the top security command of the state of Israel, we have decided on strong action against Hamas terrorism,” Mr Netanyahu said in a video statement.
“The IDF have struck Hamas with the hardest blow since Operation Protective Edge and we will increase the strength of our attacks as necessary,” he added, referring to the 2014 conflict.
However, Palestinian officials said a ceasefire had now been agreed thanks to “Egyptian and international efforts”. Israel has not commented on the report. Witnesses told Reuters news agency an Israeli strike had hit an empty building in Gaza City and that the casualties were passers-by. Hamas said another Palestinian had died after being shot by Israeli troops during border protests last Friday.