Continued intense clashes persisted in Gaza on Saturday, following the collapse of the temporary humanitarian truce in the besieged enclave. The Israeli military claimed to have targeted Hamas command centers, providing an update on their operations.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported striking operational command centers in Gaza, where Hamas terrorists were active, along with underground sites and a military compound involved in launching anti-tank missiles at soldiers on Friday.
The IDF asserted that it successfully eliminated multiple terrorist cells operating throughout Gaza, including one comprising over 10 terrorists situated near ground troops. Additionally, the military claimed to have thwarted two other terrorist cells through joint ground and aerial activities, preventing mortar shell launches towards IDF troops in Gaza.
The temporary ceasefire, initially established on November 24, concluded at 7 a.m. on Friday, leading to mutual blame between Israel and Hamas for its collapse. The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza reported a grim toll, citing at least 178 people killed and 589 injured since hostilities resumed.
During the expired truce, Israeli forces detained over 260 Palestinians in the West Bank, as reported by the Palestinian Prisoner Society. Within the framework of the Israel-Hamas truce, 104 hostages, comprising 80 Israelis and 24 foreign nationals, along with 240 Palestinian prisoners, were released between November 24 and 30. However, the IDF noted that at least 136 hostages, including 17 women and children, are still held in Gaza.
In an effort to minimize civilian casualties during strikes in civilian areas, the Israeli military introduced a new interactive map depicting numbered districts and "evacuation zones" in Gaza. The IDF distributed leaflets in southern Gaza, featuring a QR code connecting to the map. Nevertheless, extensive damage to telecommunications and electrical infrastructure in Gaza over weeks of bombardment has left many residents with unreliable internet access and power.
(With Agency Inputs)
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