IDF Chief Approves Rare Gaza Strike Amid Ceasefire Despite Halt on Targeted Killings

For the first time since the directive to halt targeted killings in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military chief of staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, personally authorized a strike against a Hamas cell commander. The attack took place Wednesday afternoon in Beit Lahia following an immediate threat to IDF forces operating in the area, according to Yossi Yehoshua of ynet. Previously, such strikes were routinely carried out multiple times daily without requiring the chief of staff's direct approval. This change followed instructions from Prime Minister and Defense Minister, influenced by American pressure, to suspend targeted killings amid ongoing negotiations. The IDF emphasized that this does not reflect a decrease in motivation to thwart threats but rather adherence to political directives. Since the ceasefire began, the IDF has struck 790 targets, killed 514 militants, and wounded approximately 150 others, while also expanding the "yellow line" buffer zone.