Ten Palestinian civilians were killed overnight as a result of Israel's Operation Shield and Arrow campaign that took out three terrorists in the Gaza Strip.
Among the civilian casualties are the wives of two of the targeted Palestinian Islamic Jihad leaders, Fa'a Anam and Leila Bahitini. Also killed was Hajar, the five-year-old daughter of the targeted terrorist Khalil Bahitini.
The children of Tareq Ezzaldin, the third targeted terrorist, were also killed. Also killed was a doctor named Jamal Hatzoan, his wife Mereva and son Yusef, as well as two sisters Dania Ata and Iman Ala Adas.
Israel launches Operation Shield and Arrow against Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza
The elimination of three senior leaders of Palestinian Islamic Jihad signaled the start of the IDF's Operation Shield and Arrow.
This comes following a period of unrest around the Gaza Strip, including the firing of rockets into Israeli towns in the area.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned the heads of local authorities in the Gaza border area that the campaign against Palestinian Islamic Jihad could last a long time.
"We must be prepared for any scenario, including a prolonged campaign," Gallant said.
"We will not tolerate rocket fire that threatens Israel's residents."
"We will not tolerate rocket fire that threatens Israel's residents"
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant
Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi held a situational assessment with senior IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) officials to discuss plans of action.
Funerals are being held in Gaza for the terrorists who were killed overnight. It is anticipated that retaliatory rocket launches toward Israel could start when the funerals are finished.