Over the weekend, projectiles were launched from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory, marking an escalation in activity after months of minimal rocket fire.

The increase in launches, carried out by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, coincides with the release of a video showing hostage Liri Albag, potentially signaling an effort by Hamas to strengthen its position in ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

On Saturday evening, a rocket fired from northern Gaza struck the Erez Border Crossing, a critical point for humanitarian aid entry into the Gaza Strip. The strike caused damage near facilities used to inspect aid trucks and triggered sirens in the nearby community of Netiv Ha’Asara. This marked the ninth consecutive day of rocket fire from Gaza.

In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intensified operations against Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli Air Force (IAF), using intelligence from the Shin Bet and IDF, conducted airstrikes targeting over 100 Hamas sites, resulting in the elimination of dozens of militants.

Launch sites used for recent rocket attacks were also destroyed during the strikes. The military emphasized measures taken to minimize civilian harm, including precision munitions, aerial surveillance, and comprehensive intelligence gathering.

Additionally, IDF units discovered and destroyed an underground tunnel used for manufacturing weapons. The site contained military-grade equipment, including lathes and cutting machines.

Soldiers from the Yahalom Combat Engineering Unit and the Kfir Brigade also raided a residential compound near Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza. Referred to as the “Officers’ Neighborhood,” this area had served as a hideout and command center for senior Hamas leaders. The compound housed anti-tank firing positions, launch sites, tunnel shafts, and explosives, all positioned close to the border fence near Netiv Ha’Asara.

The IDF’s operations aim to dismantle Hamas’ infrastructure and disrupt its ability to target Israeli territory.