A special force operated in western Gaza City on Tuesday in an incident accompanied by exchanges of fire and extensive airstrikes. While Defense Minister Israel Katz said a senior Hamas terrorist had been arrested in the operation, Palestinian sources claimed the operation had been thwarted.
The incident began in the Al-Katiba area of western Gaza City. According to reports by the Qatari Al-Araby and Al Jazeera networks, an armed force opened fire on two people. Palestinian sources claimed the target was a colonel in Hamas' Internal Security apparatus and that he survived the operation.
IDF striking western Gaza City. At least 12 intense explosions reported in the last few minutes. pic.twitter.com/asTnSOdesg
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Exchanges of fire subsequently broke out at the scene, and reports said the force withdrew on motorcycles. At the same time, Israel Defense Forces aircraft struck a series of targets, including vehicles, to enable the forces to leave the area.
Medical sources in the Gaza Strip said at least eight people were killed in the strikes. Meanwhile, Hamas' Internal Security apparatus issued a warning to residents, instructing them not to spread rumors about the operation.
