Hamas Security Headquarters, military compounds and government buildings used by Hamas hit in IAF strikes; Israel suspends cooperation with Egyptian and UN mediators.

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The Israel Air Force continued its strikes in the Gaza Strip following hundreds of rocket attacks over the past 24 hours.

The IDF last confirmed it hit the Hamas Security Headquarters in the Gaza Strip overnight that was disguised as a hotel in a highly populated area. It reported that it will continue to target Hamas and terror cells, as well as rocket launching sites.

The Israel Air Force confirmed it hit over 150 terror targets and that strikes are ongoing using fighter jets and attack helicopters. It released the statement Tuesday, “Overnight, IAF fighter jets targeted dozens of additional Hamas and PIJ [Palestinian Islamic Jihad] military targets throughout the Gaza Strip. As of now, the IAF has struck approximately 150 military targets belonging to Hamas and the PIJ terror organizations, including three governmental structures that were used for military purposes.”

It reported that strikes Tuesday included “Hamas military targets, including an offensive terror tunnel in Darj, 4 military compounds in Gaza City, Beit Hanoun, Jabalia and Khan Yunis, and a military post used for launching rockets from Khan Yunis at Israel. In addition, among the sites struck are PIJ targets, including 2 military compounds in Khan Yunis and military compounds in Deir al-Balah and Tel al-Hawa.”

Mixed reports claim Egyptian and UN representatives would arrive in Israel in attempts to negotiate a ceasefire, a Hamas spokesman reporting talks were underway. Israeli officials denied the reports and suspended its cooperation with both mediators- Egypt and the UN Special Envoy to the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov.

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed media reports on the escalation with Gaza, reiterating “Hamas terrorists in Gaza have been firing hundreds of rockets at Israeli civilians, killing a man and causing multiple injuries, severe damage to buildings & property. Israel is exercising its full right to protect its sovereignty and the lives of its citizens.”

 

 

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