Israel Reports Airstrikes Targeting Hamas and Hezbollah
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Synopsis
On April 17, Israel confirmed airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas and Hezbollah infrastructure. The Israeli military stated that these operations are part of a broader effort to counter threats and secure hostages.
Key Takeaways
- Israel conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Gaza.
- Targeted infrastructure linked to Hamas and Hezbollah.
- Recent operations resulted in numerous casualties in Gaza.
- Netanyahu continues efforts to secure the release of hostages.
- Israeli forces have expanded their control in Gaza.
Jerusalem, April 17 (NationPress) Israel announced on Thursday that it conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, aimed at what it identified as infrastructure belonging to Hamas and Hezbollah.
The Israeli military reported targeting sites affiliated with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
"The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will act against any efforts by Hezbollah to rebuild or create a military presence disguised as civilian activities," the military stated, without providing additional specifics.
In a separate operation, the Israeli military along with the Shin Bet domestic security agency executed a strike on Jabalia in northern Gaza, focusing on what they described as a command and control center of Hamas. The military indicated that this location had been utilized to "plan and execute terror attacks on Israeli civilians and military personnel."
As per health authorities in Gaza, at least 40 Palestinians lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes in the last 24 hours, raising the total death toll in Gaza since the conflict escalated in October 2023 to 51,065, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Since Israel resumed its military operations on March 18, after a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in January, 1,691 individuals have been killed and 4,464 others injured, according to health authorities.
Earlier on April 16, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Israeli negotiators to "continue the efforts" for the release of hostages still held in Gaza, as attempts to revive the ceasefire seemed to be at an impasse.
"The Prime Minister provided directions for the ongoing actions to facilitate the release of our hostages," his office stated on Wednesday.
This announcement came after a meeting regarding the status of the 59 hostages currently held in Gaza, involving the negotiating team and security establishment heads.
Israeli forces have taken control of more than half of Gaza in a renewed push to compel Hamas militants to free hostages following the end of their ceasefire last month.
Furthermore, Israel has declined to withdraw from specific regions in Lebanon after a ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group last year and has established a buffer zone in southern Syria after rebels ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad in December.
