|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Jerusalem – Since the resumption of hostilities in Gaza last week, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have killed 150 terrorists, including 10 senior Hamas officials, and struck over 420 terror-related infrastructure sites, the military confirmed on Tuesday.
According to IDF sources, these operations have included targeted strikes on buildings, tunnels, and vehicles used by Hamas operatives. Israeli troops have advanced up to a kilometer into Gaza in key areas, such as the Nitzanim Corridor in central Gaza.
Additionally, forces have carried out strategic offensives in Beit Lahia, Beit Hanoun, Khan Yunis, Shaboura, Tel Sultan, and Jabaliya, where Hamas fighters have launched rocket attacks.
IDF, Shin Bet Coordinate Amid Leadership Tensions
Despite the ongoing military operation, tensions remain within Israel’s security establishment. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar have maintained daily coordination on Gaza operations.
However, Bar’s position remains uncertain as the Israeli government has dismissed him, though he continues to serve under a High Court freeze order until a scheduled hearing on April 8.
Defense Minister Israel Katz attempted to publicly demonstrate unity within the military leadership by sharing an image of his meeting with Zamir.
This move followed a dispute on Monday night when Katz sought to intervene in a military probe involving Brig. Gen. (res.) Oren Solomon and the IDF’s October 7 investigation. Zamir firmly rejected Katz’s intervention, prompting the defense minister to withdraw his objections.
IDF Identifies Al Jazeera Journalist as Hamas Operative
In a separate development, the IDF and Shin Bet confirmed on Tuesday that Al Jazeera journalist Hossam Shabat, who was killed in an Israeli strike on Monday, was an active Hamas operative.
According to Israeli intelligence, Shabat was a sniper in Hamas’s Beit Hanoun Battalion and had been engaged in military activities since at least 2019.
The IDF claims to have uncovered internal Hamas documents linking Shabat to the terrorist group’s military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades. Officials stated that during the ongoing conflict, Shabat had participated in attacks against Israeli troops and civilians.
Shabat had a substantial online presence, boasting 580,000 Instagram followers and 171,200 on X (formerly Twitter), where he frequently posted content depicting himself in a press vest. Following his death, his social media team posted a tribute, sparking international reactions.
Global journalist organizations condemned the killing, rejecting Israel’s characterization of Shabat as a dual-role terrorist and journalist. Al Jazeera has not yet responded to the IDF’s allegations.
UN Disputes Israeli Account of Aid Worker Deaths
Meanwhile, tensions between Israel and the United Nations have escalated following a UN investigation into the deaths of its personnel in Gaza last week.
The IDF initially claimed that no active fire had occurred in the area, suggesting that the workers were likely killed while attempting to clear landmines.
On Tuesday, UN officials rejected this version of events, arguing that evidence contradicted the IDF’s assertion that its forces were not directly responsible.
Israeli military sources, however, maintained their stance, suggesting the incident could have resulted from the accidental detonation of an unexploded Israeli ordnance.
As fighting in Gaza intensifies, the IDF continues its operations against Hamas while facing growing scrutiny over its military conduct.