IDF Strikes Hamas Weapons Depots and Rocket Launch Site in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency announced Tuesday the destruction of three weapons storage facilities and a rocket launch pit in the Gaza Strip. These sites, located in various areas of the Strip, were used by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad to store weaponry and launch rockets into Israel during the recent conflict.

According to a joint statement, the targeted facilities contained dozens of weapons, including rockets, Kalashnikov rifles, and other military equipment. The IDF also reported observing Hamas operatives recently accessing these depots to guard them and assert control in Gaza.

The IDF, whose forces are operating along the "yellow line" dividing the Strip, stated its commitment to dismantling terrorist capabilities in Gaza and preventing any attempts to rebuild them. Southern Command forces are deployed to eliminate immediate threats.

This operation follows an earlier IDF strike on Hamas infrastructure used for planning attacks, which was a response to an explosive device detonating on an IDF "Panda" engineering vehicle in northern Gaza. The IDF considers this a further violation of the ceasefire by Hamas, though no soldiers were harmed and the timing of the device's placement is under investigation.

Separately, it was reported last week that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the IDF to develop a plan for "pilot zones" in Gaza, similar to a model used in southern Lebanon. This proposed plan, supported by the US, involves designating areas for international forces to clear, establish governance, and prevent Hamas operatives from returning.