The Israeli military has initiated operations in northern Gaza overnight, focusing on precise actions in eastern Rafah, near the Rafah crossing, and Zeitoun in central Gaza. The Ministry of Health reported a death toll exceeding 35,000 in the Strip since October 7, with 63 fatalities in the past 24 hours, a figure elevated due to ongoing military activities.
In Rafah, the IDF located and dismantled tunnel shafts and rocket launchers aimed at Israeli territory, in addition to eliminating ten armed Hamas terrorists. These operations precede a planned full-scale invasion. The IDF also engaged in close-quarters combat, resulting in the elimination of several terrorists, and conducted airstrikes in the Zeitoun area.
Earlier reports indicated the loss of five Israeli soldiers in Zeitoun on Friday. In response to evacuation calls for areas like Jabalya, the IDF launched an operation in northern Gaza based on intelligence suggesting Hamas efforts to rebuild its terrorist infrastructure and operatives in the region.
