The Israel Defense Forces reported at dawn on Tuesday that attacks targeted Islamic Jihad positions. The operation, named Shield and Arrow, began around 02:30 local time. Israeli authorities said three high-ranking Islamic Jihad members were killed, identified as Jalil Bahitini, the commander for the northern region of Sheridi, allegedly responsible for launching shells from Palestinian territory last month; Tarek Ezz al Din, said to have planned attacks in Israel; and Jahad A’Nam, the secretary of the military council of Islamic Jihad.
A spokesperson for the Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed at least nine deaths in Gaza, including children and women, according to remarks carried by Al-Aqsa TV and reported by the Palestinian portal Felesteen. Salama Maarouf, head of the Government Intelligence Bureau in Gaza, condemned the attack as brutal and sudden, urging residents to rely on official information rather than social media rumors. He emphasized the need for citizens to monitor official channels for updates.
Meanwhile, Itamar Ben Gvir, the far-right Israeli Minister of National Security, posted on social networks that it was time for action following the IDF report.
Israel shields itself from a possible response
Israel announced that since dawn all roads near the Gaza Strip have been blocked and movement is prohibited within a 40-kilometer zone from Gaza until 18:00 local time on Wednesday. Residents were urged to seek shelter, and authorities cited the risk of a potential Palestinian airstrike. Classes were canceled until further notice, with limited access for workers near shelters.
The bombardment comes amid a previously agreed ceasefire. The ceasefire has been in place since last Wednesday, after Islamic Jihad official Jader Adnan died in prison during a hunger strike, an event that triggered a heavy exchange of rockets between Israelis and Palestinians. A ceasefire had been brokered between Israel and Hamas, with mediation by the United Nations and the governments of Qatar and Egypt, and ongoing reliance on diplomatic channels to sustain calm.