Israeli air strike kills missile commander in Gaza

In a pre-dawn airstrike on a Gaza apartment, Israel targeted and killed the leader of Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s (PIJ) rocket launching force along with two other militants. This attack followed Gaza militants firing over 500 rockets into Israel. In response, the Israeli military conducted strikes on more than 130 militant targets in Gaza, resulting in 25 deaths, including civilians and PIJ commanders. Israel reported four fatalities, including three children, caused by rockets falling short in Gaza.

The armed wing of PIJ confirmed the death of Ali Hassan Ghali, also known as Abu Muhammad, the head of its missile unit. Ghali was described as a central figure responsible for recent rocket barrages against Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the campaign against PIJ was not over, emphasising the significant blow dealt to the organisation.

Efforts are underway by Egypt to broker a truce between Israel and PIJ. These airstrikes mark the deadliest escalation since a three-day conflict in August 2022, where 49 Palestinians were killed. Ongoing tensions were observed in the West Bank, with three Palestinians killed during Israeli arrest raids, and an Israeli soldier was seriously wounded in an exchange of fire with Palestinian gunmen.