During IDF strikes throughout Gaza, dozens of terrorists were killed, including terrorists who had launched three mortars towards Israeli territory in Khan Yunis earlier on Saturday, according to the IDF.
IDF troops have been conducting ground operations in the Al Janina area of Rafah to expand the security zone in southern Gaza for several hours, the military said Saturday evening.
As part of the operations, the military has been dismantling Hamas infrastructure in the area. Concurrently, the IDF, in coordination with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), has been carrying out strikes on Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad targets throughout Gaza.
The military struck weapons storage facilities, rocket launchers, buildings from which terrorists were operating, and additional sites.
The IDF's Arabic spokesman, Col. Avichay Adraee, earlier instructed southern Gaza residents to evacuate from Abbasan, Al-Qarara, and Khirbet Khaza'a.
"This is an early warning before an attack. The terrorist organizations are repeatedly launching rockets from among the civilians. This area has been warned many times. For your safety, you must immediately evacuate west to the shelters in the Mu'assi area," he stated.
In the early afternoon, the IDF fired artillery at Shejaia, east of Gaza City, during its operations in the area.
IDF bulldozer drives over explosive
In addition, an IDF D9 bulldozer drove over an explosive in central Gaza in the buffer zone. However, no IDF injuries were reported in this incident either.
This is a developing story.
Walla contributed to this report.