The IDF's intricate and dedicated operation in Khan Yunis led to the discovery of a tunnel with six hostages' bodies. Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances of their deaths.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked the IDF and Shin Bet for their joint operation and affirmed Israel would continue to act to return the hostages.
Troops of the 7th Brigade operated in Khan Yunis and on the outskirts of Deir al-Balah, where they killed terrorists and destroyed compounds used by terrorists above and below ground.
Israel Air Force fighter jets struck targets in the area from which the projectiles were launched into the Nirim area on Friday.
The decision to adjust the area of the humanitarian zone was based on Hamas's exploitation of the area, choosing to use it for terrorist activities, and the firing of rockets toward Israel.
The IDF eliminated about 20 terrorists in Gaza, targeting Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives, dismantling tunnels, and destroying weapon facilities.
Hamas deliberately embedded its military assets used to carry out attacks against Israel next to humanitarian infrastructure and the civilian population.
The directive follows rocket fire and terrorist activities that were carried out from that area, the IDF added, noting that the military was readying to operate in the area in response.
The IDF renewed its calls to Palestinians in Khan Yunis to evacuate to the Israeli-designated humanitarian zone
IDF troops conducted targeted raids in Khan Yunis on terror infrastructure sites, above and below the ground.
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