In the Gaza Strip, the IDF reports a targeted strike against Islamic Jihad infrastructure near Rafah
The Israeli Defence Forces have described a recent operation as a precise, surgical action aimed at the infrastructure of the Islamic Jihad movement near the city of Rafah, located in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The announcement was shared via the Israeli army’s official Telegram channel, signaling a coordinated effort involving multiple security agencies and a focus on specific targets believed to support militant activities.
In a subsequent statement, the IDF affirmed that, earlier in the day, forces from the Israel Defense Forces alongside the Israel Security Agency launched an offensive meant to disrupt Islamic Jihad militants and the broader network they rely on. The description emphasizes a campaign designed to degrade capabilities linked to the organization in the Rafah region while attempting to minimize broader harm to civilian life and essential infrastructure.
The report notes that the attack did not damage a hospital in the area, suggesting a deliberate or precautionary approach to avoid impacts on critical medical facilities. This detail has been highlighted to address concerns about civilian consequences and the protection of humanitarian services in conflict zones.
In related political remarks, Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat stated that the government remains committed to pursuing peace alongside security. These sentiments come as part of a broader public communication strategy that seeks to balance security measures with regional stability and diplomatic outreach.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview with a major United States television network, described the Rafah operation as an inevitable military step. The prime minister indicated that pausing negotiations might be possible in some scenarios, but total withdrawal from the operation would not be an option. He also projected that once the Rafah action begins, achieving victory against Hamas could unfold over weeks rather than months, signaling a determination to sustain pressure until strategic goals are met.
Earlier, European Union officials voiced concern about humanitarian conditions in Gaza, including accusations that starvation has been used as a tactic. The international community has called for humanitarian access and adherence to international law amid the ongoing hostilities, underscoring the need for careful, measured actions that protect civilian lives while addressing security challenges.