Yoav Zitun and Noa Lutski
Ynet News, Mar. 18, 2025
“Your mission is to protect the communities. We are engaged in a continuous operation against Hamas while remaining fully committed to bringing the hostages home.”
The IDF launched a surprise operation in Gaza early Tuesday, striking 80 targets simultaneously. The strikes, which began at 2:10 a.m., lasted less than 10 minutes, with Israeli fighter jets hitting all designated targets within two minutes, the IDF said.
The strikes did not target Hamas’ senior military leadership but rather mid-level commanders, including battalion and company leaders, as well as government officials such as the head of Hamas’ Shura Council, the justice and interior ministers and the prime minister of the terrorist group. The operation was conducted in full coordination with the Shin Bet, with agency director Ronen Bar overseeing it alongside IDF commanders, the military said.
Following the operation, the Home Front Command eased civilian restrictions in the Gaza border region, allowing schools to reopen in areas where shelters are accessible. Train service in the south is expected to resume within 48 hours, pending further security assessments.
The IDF said it is operating under a “gradual, evolving battle plan” against Hamas, adjusting intensity and scope based on real-time assessments. “We present professional recommendations to the political leadership,” the military said. “We also held a situation assessment with the Hostages and Missing Persons Directorate today.”
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