The Israeli Air Force on Saturday struck the rocket launchers in Gaza that were used to fire rockets at the Jerusalem, Yehuda, Western Negev, Lachish, HaShfela, and Yarkon areas of Israel earlier that day, the IDF stated on Sunday morning.
The IAF struck a launcher containing a rocket that was ready to be fired, causing the rocket to be launched. The military did not note how far or where the rocket subsequently traveled or if it caused damage within Israeli territory or Gaza.
On Saturday, the IDF intercepted two rockets fired from Gaza over Israeli airspace before they reached their destination. The military noted they had been fired from the Beit Hanoun area in northern Gaza, triggering rocket alarms across the country.
“The widespread alerts stemmed from concerns over interception debris,” military officials stated.
Expansion of Gaza operations
The strike in Gaza comes amid orders to expand IDF operations in the Strip. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi told the army on Saturday to reallocate forces from other sectors.
On Saturday, the IDF reported that the Nahal Brigade had concluded its operations in Rafah and had commenced operations against terror targets in Beit Hanoun.
Israeli orders new evacuation in Beit Hanoun, residents say
The IDF had confirmed that troops were enabling civilians to evacuate the area through designated routes - ensuring they could safely remove themselves from the combat zone.
Later, residents of the Gazan city confirmed to Reuters that IDF troops ordered any remaining locals to evacuate.
Other IDF units, including armored corps and combat engineering forces, have been instructed in recent days to prepare for redeployment to Gaza.
This forms part of efforts to increase military pressure on Hamas amid hostage-ceasefire negotiations.
The Southern Command has also begun planning and conducting aerial operations as part of preparations for an expanded operation.
The IDF’s current efforts include operations by the 162nd Division in northern Gaza, the 99th Division in the Netzarim Corridor, and the Gaza Division in the buffer zone, the southern Gaza Strip, and along the Philadelphi Corridor.
Danielle Greyman-Kennard contributed to this report.