Holiday Operations: IDF Deepens Offensive, Advances Security Goals in Gaza

Over the past 48 hours, the Israeli Air Force has struck more than 90 targets belonging to terror organizations throughout the Gaza Strip. Among the targets was the launch site used to fire rockets at Israeli communities near the border yesterday. Additional strikes targeted weapons depots, terrorist cells, and Hamas infrastructure.

During the holiday, the IDF completed its takeover of the Morag Corridor—a key route separating Khan Yunis from Rafah. This operation effectively bisects the Gaza Strip from east to west along 12 kilometers, expanding Israel’s buffer zone to the area between the Philadelphi  and Morag Corridors. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated: “Hundreds of thousands of residents have already evacuated from combat zones. A significant portion of Gaza’s territory has become part of Israel’s security zones.”

Senior Hamas Sniper Cell Commander Eliminated

The IDF also eliminated Abdallah Naeem Dahoud Moussa, who served as deputy head of a Hamas sniper cell operating in the Deir al-Balah area of central Gaza. Moussa was targeted in a precision strike while traveling in a vehicle and taken out.

Hamas Command and Control Compound Targeted

The IDF also targeted a Hamas command and control compound used as a terror hub for operations in the Daraj -Tuffah area. The facility housed a weapons storage site containing explosives and devices used by terrorists to plan and carry out attacks against Israeli forces.

Prior to the strike, the IDF took multiple measures to minimize civilian harm, including the use of precision-guided munitions, aerial surveillance, and actionable intelligence.

Watch footage from the strikes on the compound:

Ongoing Operations in Rafah

Forces from the IDF’s 36th Division continue operations in the Rafah area as well as along the Morag Axis. Troops located and destroyed Hamas weapons and terror infrastructure, and eliminated terrorists in a series of strikes.

Tel al-Sultan and Shaboura

In the Tel al-Sultan and Shaboura neighborhoods, Gaza Division (143rd) forces uncovered and destroyed weapons, tunnel shafts, and other Hamas infrastructure, while eliminating terrorists. In northern Gaza, the 252nd Division struck and destroyed additional terror tunnels, military structures, and eliminated several terrorists attempting to plant explosive devices.

Two IDF Soldiers Wounded, One Seriously

On Shabbat, a terrorist cell opened fire on an IDF unit operating in southern Gaza. The soldiers returned fire and killed two terrorists. Shortly afterward, an IAF aircraft struck and eliminated another terrorist from the same cell. As a result of the initial gunfire, an IDF officer sustained moderate injuries.

Separately, a reservist soldier was seriously wounded yesterday during operational activity near the Lebanese border. Both soldiers were evacuated to hospital for treatment, and their families have been notified.