A senior operative of the Hamas naval command was killed on Tuesday after Israeli forces conducted multiple airstrikes targeting Hamas units in Gaza. The airstrikes reportedly destroyed several operational command centers, according to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The airstrikes were in response to rocket fire and explosive balloons launched from Gaza into Israel. The rockets were launched into in the villages of Sdot Negev earlier in the day, according to local media reports.
The strikes reportedly targeted Hassan Al-Kafarna, a senior Hamas operative of the naval command and a member of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military arm of Hamas, who was killed instantly, along with two other Hamas naval militants.
The Israeli forces also reported that the airstrikes targeted several operational command centers in Gaza, believed to be used by Hamas in launching rocket and balloon attacks, as well as in other operational activities.
The airspace above Gaza and its surrounding areas have seen multiple incursions by Israeli forces in recent months, with airstrikes intended as a response to rocket fire originating from within Gaza. The airstrikes have resulted in multiple civilian casualties, and have sparked tensions between Israel and the Palestinians.
The latest Israeli airstrike against the Hamas navy command is a testimony to the Israeli government’s determination to put an end to Hamas’ military operations and to prevent further rocket and balloon attacks from the Palestinian enclave. The incident is yet another reminder of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the need for more amicable solutions in the region.
