IDF Operation Kills Senior Hamas Commander, Targets 75 Sites Amid Escalating Gaza Conflict
In a major escalation of its ongoing military campaign in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday that it had successfully eliminated a senior Hamas commander and struck 75 terror-linked targets across the Gaza Strip. The operation, which took place over the weekend, specifically targeted Hamas military infrastructure, including command centers, weapon manufacturing units, and underground tunnels used by militants.
According to the IDF, the operation led to the death of Bashar Tabet, a high-ranking Hamas official who played a key role in the group’s weapons development and production division. Tabet was reportedly in charge of research and development for advanced weaponry and led the arms production efforts for the militant group. His elimination is being seen by Israeli authorities as a significant blow to Hamas’ operational capabilities.
Civilian Death Toll Rises Sharply
While the Israeli military emphasized the targeting of strategic terror sites, the humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to grow rapidly. According to a report by Al Jazeera, 115 Palestinians were killed during the recent Israeli airstrikes, including at least 92 civilians who had gathered at a food distribution point to receive rations. Among the deceased are also two members of the local civil defense services who were responding to emergencies in the area.
Additionally, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that over 200 individuals have been injured in the attacks, many of whom are in critical condition. Medical infrastructure in Gaza, already strained due to ongoing conflict and blockades, is reportedly overwhelmed by the rising number of casualties.
Hunger Crisis Worsens in Gaza
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deepened further, with severe shortages of food and clean water continuing to threaten the lives of civilians. The Health Ministry in Gaza revealed that 18 people died of starvation in the past 24 hours alone, underscoring the critical state of food insecurity in the region.
In response to intensifying military operations, the Israeli army has issued fresh evacuation orders, urging residents of central Gaza to leave the area immediately. Military officials have stated that attacks in Gaza will now be intensified as part of a broader strategic push to dismantle Hamas’ control and capabilities in the enclave.
International Protests Erupt Against Israeli Military Actions
Widespread protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza have erupted across multiple countries, reflecting growing international concern over the scale of destruction and loss of civilian life. Demonstrations were reported in Tunisia, Iraq, Turkey, Morocco, Lebanon, and in the Palestinian territories including Ramallah in the West Bank.
Protesters denounced what they described as the Israeli occupation and military aggression in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access to the affected regions. Many expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and demanded that their governments take stronger stances against Israel’s actions.
West Bank Palestinians Report Attacks by Settlers
Meanwhile, tensions in the West Bank have also intensified. Palestinian residents have accused Israeli settlers of sabotaging water infrastructure in several areas, leading to water shortages and forcing families to abandon their homes and villages. Activists and local leaders claim these acts are part of a broader campaign to displace Palestinian communities in the region.
As the situation continues to escalate, calls for international intervention and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict are mounting. However, with both sides remaining entrenched in their positions, the prospects for immediate peace remain uncertain.