JNS
IDF operations across the enclave are ongoing as part of “Gideon’s Chariots."
Palestinian terrorists in Gaza fired a rocket at Israel on Saturday morning, setting off air-raid sirens in Kissufim, a kibbutz located 1.25 miles east of the Strip.
One projectile was detected crossing into Israeli territory, “most likely” hitting in an open area, the Israel Defense Forces said.
No injuries or damage were reported.
Israeli military operations across the Palestinian enclave are ongoing as part of “Gideon’s Chariots,” a campaign with the stated goal of dismantling Hamas’s remaining military capabilities, taking control of key areas in the Strip, and securing the release of the 50 captives.
Over the past 24 hours, the Israeli Air Force struck more than 100 terrorist targets throughout Gaza, the military said on Saturday morning.
Among the targets hit were terrorist cells, combat tunnels, anti-tank missile launch positions and weapons storage facilities.
Earlier this week, the IAF killed Amjad Muhammad Hassan Shaer, the head of the Counterintelligence Directorate in Hamas’s General Security Apparatus, in a targeted strike in the northern Gaza Strip, the IDF said on Friday.
Shaer’s unit is responsible for suppressing dissent against Hamas’s rule, thwarting espionage and securing senior officials and strategic assets of the terrorist organization both within the Gaza Strip and abroad, the IDF said.
The Counterintelligence Directorate also provides assessments that inform senior Hamas decision-making and support the planning and execution of terrorist attacks against Israel.
Soldiers are continuing operational activity across northern Gaza, particularly in the areas of Beit Hanoun, Jabalia and Gaza City's Daraj Tuffah quarters. Troops in these areas located and dismantled tunnel shafts and other terrorist infrastructure.
In coordination with ground forces, the IAF struck dozens of Hamas targets between Thursday and Friday, including terrorist cells, tunnel networks and arms facilities.
On Thursday, the IDF killed Hamas terrorist Muhammad al-’Amour near Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.
Al-’Amour reportedly managed the goods terminal at Gaza's Rafah Crossing to Sinai, where he facilitated the smuggling of hundreds of weapons and other military equipment—a key contribution to Hamas’s terrorist buildup.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the Ground Forces headquarters at Camp Bar-Lev near Kiryat Malakhi on Wednesday, emphasizing the critical juncture the military faces in the ongoing multi-front campaign.
Zamir noted the unprecedented nature of the current conflict, with IDF operations spanning several fronts. “There has never been a war like this in the history of the IDF—we are operating in Tehran, Sanaa, Beirut, Syria, Jenin and the main center of gravity, the Gaza Strip," he said.
Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Hamas leaders on Wednesday, stating, “The Sinwar brothers have destroyed Gaza.
Izz al-Din al-Haddad is turning it into ruins. Hamas leaders abroad are celebrating in palaces and luxury hotels, refusing to release the hostages. If they are not released soon, the gates of hell will open.”
(The IDF killed Hamas leaders brothers Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Sinwar in October 2024 and May 2025, respectively. Izz al-Din al-Haddad (nom de guerre Abu Suhaib) has headed Hamas’s Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades since May 2025.)
The United States will examine “alternative options” to bring home the 50 captives held by Hamas as the terrorist group “does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff said on Thursday.
“It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way,” he added, emphasizing that Washington remains “resolute” in achieving peace.
The announcement came shortly after the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated that “in light of the response delivered by Hamas this morning,” Jerusalem had decided to recall its negotiators for consultations.
The Jewish state appreciates “efforts by the mediators, Qatar and Egypt, and the efforts of envoy Witkoff, to achieve a breakthrough in the negotiations,” the PMO statement added.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday, "Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff got it right. Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal. Together with our U.S. allies, we are now considering alternative options to bring our hostages home, end Hamas’s terror rule and secure lasting peace for Israel and our region."
