IDF strikes Hamas targets in Gaza after rocket launches

The IDF said that the airstrikes "will lead to damage to the terrorist organization's attempts to strengthen and arm itself with rockets."

A graphic highlights one of the Hamas targets struck by Israeli airstrikes on November 3, 2022. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
A graphic highlights one of the Hamas targets struck by Israeli airstrikes on November 3, 2022.
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

The IDF launched airstrikes against Hamas underground rocket development and production complex targets in the Gaza Strip in response to earlier rocket fire toward Israel, the IDF announced early on Friday morning.

The IDF said that the airstrikes "will lead to damage to the terrorist organization's attempts to strengthen and arm itself with rockets."

"Hamas bears responsibility for what is happening in the Gaza Strip - and it is [Hamas] that will pay the price for the security violations against the State of Israel."

Israel Defense Forces

"Hamas bears responsibility for what is happening in the Gaza Strip - and it is [Hamas] that will pay the price for the security violations against the State of Israel," the IDF added.

IAF scrambles jets before conducting airstrikes on Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip. (Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

Multiple rockets fired toward Israel

Several hours prior to the retaliatory airstrikes, Palestinian Islamic Jihad launched four rockets toward Israeli territory in what it claimed was "a response to the assassination of the commander of the Al-Quds Brigades in Jenin," according to Ynet.

A graphic shows the damage done to Hamas infrastructure by Israeli airstrikes on November 3, 2022. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
A graphic shows the damage done to Hamas infrastructure by Israeli airstrikes on November 3, 2022. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

This is a developing story.