Israel eliminates three Islamic terrorist leaders in Gaza airstrikes.

Israel Strikes Back: Three Senior Commanders of Islamic Jihad Killed in Targeted Airstrikes

Israel has launched a counter-terror operation, killing three senior commanders of the Iran-backed Islamic Jihad terrorist group in targeted airstrikes early Tuesday. The air strikes hit the top floor of an apartment building in Gaza City and a house in the southern town of Rafah. The military said the three men targeted had been responsible for recent rocket fire toward Israel.

Retaliatory Strikes Expected

The Palestinian Health Ministry said 20 people were wounded and ambulances were continuing to evacuate people from the targeted areas. Israel’s Home Front command ordered the closure of schools, beaches and highways in cities and towns in southern Israel, and limited public gatherings ahead of anticipated retaliatory strikes.

Funerals Planned for Later in the Day

The three men targeted in the counter-terror operation were identified as Khalil Bahtini, the Islamic Jihad commander for northern Gaza Strip; Tareq Izzeldeen, the group’s intermediary between its Gaza and West Bank members; and Jehad Ghanam, the secretary of the Islamic Jihad’s military council. Their funerals were planned for later in the day.

Israel Defense Forces Launches New Series of Reprisals in Gaza

The bombings came days after Gazan terrorists led by Islamic Jihad fired 104 rockets toward Israel in response to the death of an alleged senior member of the group who had been on hunger strike in Israeli prison. Israel’s response Tuesday launches a new series of reprisals in Gaza as the Israel Defense Forces made clear. Islamic Jihad confirmed the three were among the dead. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh warned that Israel will “pay the price” for the killings.

Conclusion

Israel’s counter-terror operation is a clear message to terrorist groups that they will not tolerate attacks on their citizens. The situation in Gaza remains tense, and further retaliatory strikes are expected. The world watches with bated breath as the conflict between Israel and terrorist groups continues.