Israel continues strikes in Gaza as ceasefire deal before Ramadan looks doubtful VIDEO

The IDF continues operations in Khan Younis and reports indicate that the government is moving ahead with plans for an operation in Rafah as Hamas refuses to soften its position in the hostage negotiations.

The IDF announced that it eliminated Ammar Atia Darwish al-Adini, head of Hamas’ rocket division in Central Gaza, All Israel News reports.

According to the IDF, al-Adini served as a Hamas operative for decades, and in his current position, was responsible for planning rocket launches from Operation Cast Lead in 2008 until the current war, Operation Iron Swords.

IDF troops conducting targeted raids in the Hamad neighborhood in Khan Younis located a weapons manufacturing facility, explosive devices, and military equipment. The soldiers also uncovered terror tunnel shafts and dismantled command centers used by Hamas.

In another operation in the Al-Qarara neighborhood in Khan Younis, soldiers identified six armed terrorists entering a military compound containing a launch post. An IDF fighter jet struck the compound and killed the terrorists before they were able to launch. 

During operations in central Gaza, IDF soldiers killed approximately 10 terrorists over the 24 hours. In one operation, soldiers identified a terrorist cell loading military equipment onto a vehicle near the troops. An IDF aircraft struck the vehicle, killing a number of terrorists. Secondary explosions indicated that the vehicle contained numerous weapons and explosives.

Meanwhile, a report in The Washington Post said that the Biden administration, concerned about a humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip, is considering ways to prevent Israel from using American weapons if Israel carries out its planned invasion of Rafah. According to the report a decision has not yet been made, but the debate indicates the administration’s concern over the situation in Gaza and its effect on Biden’s election campaign.

President Joe Biden has been pushing for a six-week temporary ceasefire as part of the hostage negotiations, which he hoped to achieve before the start of Ramadan. However, Hamas has recently hardened its position, demanding a permanent ceasefire and a withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the entire Gaza Strip before agreeing to a hostage deal.

Hamas senior figure Sami Abu Zuhri recently stated the Americans are “talking about a temporary ceasefire for six weeks, and we want a complete ceasefire.”

He said that Hamas will not accept “stipulations in favor of Israel.”