The IDF carried out strikes in Gaza this morning in collaboration with the enclave’s local militia after a unit was discovered by Hamas operatives. The Times of Israel reports that a number of targets were struck in western Gaza while a senior Hamas official was captured. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the capture, but very few details regarding the recent operation were provided. However, the military did confirm that no Israeli troops were injured or killed in the incident.
Speaking from the Gaza-border community of Netiv Ha’asara, Katz said in a video statement that “even as we stand here, the activity of our forces in Gaza City continues at all times,” referring to the Israeli strikes.
“A short while ago, a senior Hamas terrorist was arrested. This is our policy: We do not wait for threats, we pursue Hamas terrorists, thwart them, and destroy their terror infrastructure,” Katz said.
Katz did not provide any further details. An Israeli security source claimed the captured Hamas commander was the chief of the terror group’s internal security apparatus.
The terror group’s intentions became clearer when Hamas-affiliated news outlets claimed that operatives had intended to capture IDF soldiers in the area during the operation. However, another Hamas-affiliated news source claimed that the IDF operation had been thwarted.
Yesterday, the IDF reported that it had eliminated a Hamas commander who oversaw weapons distribution for the terror group in Gaza. Another operative, who was involved in rebuilding the group’s capabilities to attack troops and civilians, was also targeted in the same series of strikes.
This action against the terror group comes as more than 20,000 students return to school in towns bordering Gaza. There has been a nine percent increase in the number of students from these areas since the 2023 school year. Today, Israel officially marked the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, with around 2.6 million students of all ages returning to some 28,000 schools across the Holy Land.
The Fellowship and our supporters pray for the IDF and the success of their current operations in Gaza, as well as for the millions of teens and children resuming their education. May they all be protected.