Jihad has confirmed that Iyad al-Hasani, a senior commander of the group, was killed in an Israeli strike on an apartment in Gaza City. A spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces also confirmed the news shortly afterwards. Jihad is considered a terrorist group by Israel, the United States, the EU and several other countries.
Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip. Photo: AP
Israel said it was “striking Jihad targets” in Gaza after the group launched a barrage of rockets towards Israeli cities, including Jerusalem. It said the rockets were “a response to the continued assassinations and aggression against the Palestinian people”.
Israel launched an air campaign against Islamic Jihad leaders early Tuesday, killing three senior members in an initial strike. Two others were killed in subsequent airstrikes.
Israel says Jihad has fired nearly 1,000 rockets into Israel since the first attacks. Gaza’s health ministry says at least 33 Palestinians, including soldiers and civilians, have been killed this week.
The attacks come amid international calls for de-escalation and Egyptian efforts to push for ceasefire talks. Palestinian officials say Egypt is continuing its efforts despite the renewed violence.
Jihad wants Israel to end attacks on its leaders, but Israel has rejected this condition.
Hoang Nam (according to AFP, AP, DW)
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