Israel claimed today to have killed a key ‘maritime’ commander amid its incursion into Gaza.
Israel Defense Forces spokesperson and Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the military was ‘acting with great force… to achieve the objectives of the war’.
‘The IDF is continuing with significant massive attacks form the air and the sea, and the killing of terrorists. Overnight the ISA and IDF have killed additional Hamas commanders, among them the commander of the aerial force of Hamas who was a key partner of the October 7 massacre.
‘In addition, we killed the Maritime commander of Gaza. These are the spearhead terrorists of the tactic(al) echelon of Hamas. Their targeting is a significant phase of progress in combat and that means we are going to fight a weaker enemy, so we are going to continue to do that.’
Israel has continued strikes into the beleagured Gaza Strip this morning, drawing criticism from international organisations including the WHO and governments including Turkey.
Earlier today, a group representing the families of Israeli hostages also urged caution and ceasefire as attacks intensify.
The assault is likely to pave the way for a deeper ground invasion as Israel looks to minimise casualties fighting in a dense urban environment. The IDF confirmed today that infantry forces remain in Gaza, supported by armoured vehicles.
‘Forces are still deployed out there and continuing their campaign,’ Hagari said in a conference today.
‘This is warfare. We are operating to follow up on the following goals: Eradicating Hamas, and the national effort to bring back the hostages.
‘All that is part of our considerations, the situation, decision making, instructed by the chief of general staff along with the commanders in the different commands. We are going to reach the most correct professional decisions while these goals serve as our compass.’
He added that Israel would also increase humanitarian efforts with ‘more trucks carrying food, meds and water’.
Israel will allow allow in trucks laden with food and water later today, he said.
Rights groups have criticised Israel for its bombardment of civilian areas and ‘impossible’ orders to evacuate besieged areas with little warning.
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
247