‘Immediate threat’ thwarted: IDF strike in Gaza eliminates Hamas launchers, tunnels

Earlier on Monday, starting at 6:31 a.m. local time, rocket alerts sounded in several Gaza border communities, among which were Sufa and Holit. 

 Smoke rises from an explosion following an airstrike in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, near the Israel-Gaza border, as seen from Israel, May 20, 2024. (photo credit: REUTERS/Amir Cohen TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY REPORT CONTENT  PREVIEW  XML)
Smoke rises from an explosion following an airstrike in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, near the Israel-Gaza border, as seen from Israel, May 20, 2024.
(photo credit: REUTERS/Amir Cohen TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY REPORT CONTENT PREVIEW XML)

Israel Air Force jets struck Hamas launchers and underground terror routes throughout the Gaza Strip, eliminating an "immediate threat," the military said on Monday. 

The IDF added that the strikes were carried out after the military had identified Hamas's intentions to launch rockets at Israeli territory. 

Earlier on Monday, starting at 6:31 a.m. local time, rocket alerts sounded in several Gaza border communities, among which were Sufa and Holit. 

Following the alerts, the IDF noted that four rockets had crossed from Gaza, three of which were intercepted, with one impacting in an open field. 

Shortly before the rocket fire, the military noted that it was conducting strikes on Hamas launchers in Gaza. 

Later on Monday, rocket alerts sounded in Sedrot and some of the Gaza border communities.  Shortly after, the military noted five rockets had been fired from the Gaza Strip and had been intercepted by the IDF. 

 The Iron Dome air defense missile systems is seen during operational trials conducted following the conclusion Operation Shield and Arrow on May 14, 2023 (credit: DEFENSE MINISTRY)
The Iron Dome air defense missile systems is seen during operational trials conducted following the conclusion Operation Shield and Arrow on May 14, 2023 (credit: DEFENSE MINISTRY)

IDF on high alert 

Overnight, the IDF struck terror targets in central Gaza that posed a threat to the troops.

On Sunday, IDF southern command chief Major-General Yaron Finkelman said the command remained on high alert for "defensive and offensive scenarios" ahead of the coming days. 

KAN News reported on Sunday that the security establishment estimated terror groups would attempt to carry out terror activities on Monday amid the commemorations of the October 7 massacre, including rocket fire and infiltration attempts.