Israeli airstrike hits Hamas command Hub in Gaza

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA) carried out a strike against Hamas militants in the Jabalia area of Gaza earlier on April 2.

The militants were reportedly hiding inside a command and control centre, which was used to coordinate operations and served as a key meeting point for the militant group, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

The facility was also involved in planning attacks against Israeli military personnel, the statement said.

The statement also condemned Hamas for its ongoing use of civilian infrastructure for militant activities.

Note that, Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced a significant expansion of the Israeli ground offensive in Gaza on April 2, pledging to seize large areas of the Palestinian enclave and incorporate them into designated "security" zones.

The announcement follows continued military operations that have resulted in the deaths of 21 Palestinians and a 31-day blockade on Gaza, which has forced bakeries to close.

Katz stated that Israeli forces would clear areas of terrorists and infrastructure while capturing extensive territory to be incorporated into Israel’s security zones. However, he did not specify how much land would be seized. This move is part of a broader military strategy aimed at applying "maximum pressure" on Hamas, following its rejection of a ceasefire agreement and its insistence on a return to the previous deal.

The renewed military campaign follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand for the release of 59 Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and humanitarian aid for Gaza, without an immediate commitment to ending the conflict. Meanwhile, Israel’s bombardment of Gaza has led to over 1,000 Palestinian casualties since March 18, many of them women and children.

By Aghakazim Guliyev