IDF kills 3 Islamic Jihad commanders in Gaza; over 460 rockets fired at Israel

Israeli airstrikes killed an Islamic Jihad leader and two high-level operatives overnight in Gaza as “Operation Shield and Arrow” continued, bringing the total death toll in Gaza to at least 23. 

IDF fighter jets targeted Ali Ghali, the commander of the rocket launching force of the Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip, who was in a hideout apartment in Khan Yunis.

“Ghali was entrusted with the instruction and the launching of rocket fire toward Israel, including the recent barrage of rockets toward Israeli territory as part of operation ‘Shield and Arrow.’ Ghali instructed and took part in launching the barrage of rockets toward Israel during operations ‘Guardian of the Walls’ and ‘Breaking Dawn,’ IDF said in a statement, referring to the two previous IDF operations in Gaza.

IDF spokesperson said Israel continued to only target Islamic Jihad, leaving Hamas out of the conflict.

Islamic Jihad fired over 460 rockets at southern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv, since Wednesday afternoon. No Israelis were killed but extensive damage to houses and cars were reported in different locations.

The continued fighting came as numerous media, both in Israel Egypt, reported that Egypt had mediated a ceasefire between Israel and Islamic Jihad on Wednesday night.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen confirmed in an interview with Kan Public Broadcaster that Israel had received ceasefire proposals via Egypt. Islamic Jihad had reportedly demanded that Israel seize its targeted killings, which Israel refused.

“I would like to reiterate: Whoever harms us, whoever sends terrorists against us, will pay the price…The campaign is not yet over,” Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a speech on Wednesday night.

Israel launched “Operation Shield and Arrow” overnight Tuesday, killing 15 Palestinians, including three senior Islamic Jihad operatives. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said the other 10 victims were civilians, including women and children.

Israel has targeted over 133 Islamic Jihad’s rocket and mortar shell launchers, weapon and rocket manufacturing sites and military positions since Tuesday overnight.