Gaza shakes as IDF unleashes heaviest strikes yet

Israeli Air Force jets attacked dozens of targets across the Gaza Strip last night (between Saturday and Sunday) in the most powerful airstrike since the current operation began.

According to reports, the Shin Bet and Military Intelligence provided precise targets for the attack, which included Hamas infrastructure, defensive positions, tunnels, and buildings where terrorist operatives were hiding.

The strikes focused on all five maneuver areas of the IDF throughout the strip, incorporating ground fire via tanks and artillery. The power of the explosions was so great that they were audible not only in the surrounding areas, but also in Ashkelon, Rishon Lezion, Bat Yam, and even additional areas in central Israel.

The dramatic escalation came after the terrorist organization Hamas conveyed its negative response to the Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire and the return of hostages. Consequently, the political leadership ordered the IDF to intensify pressure – and security officials estimate that further escalation is expected in the coming hours and days, in order to pressure Hamas into agreeing to a deal.

According to a report in Maariv, a ground maneuver is currently taking place in five main locations. In Rafah, forces are completing the city's clearance, focusing on the neighborhoods of Tel Sultan, Shabura, and Jenin. In Khan Yunis, over 250,000 residents have been evacuated to the Muwasi area, and the forces – Divisions 36 and 98 – are working to defeat Hamas's Khan Yunis Brigade.

The maneuver is accompanied by heavy fire: tank shelling, precise airstrikes, naval attacks, and artillery fire.The firepower in the northern Gaza Strip is also exceptional: the IDF is attacking from three dimensions – from the air, ground, and sea.