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IDF strikes Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad command centers in Gaza

Both sites were used to direct attacks against Israeli forces, according to the military.

Israeli forces operating in Gaza in an IDF photo published on April 21, 2025.
Israeli forces operating in Gaza in an IDF photo published on April 21, 2025.

The Israel Defense Forces and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) carried out two targeted airstrikes in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, eliminating terrorist operatives from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad who, according to the military, were directing attacks against Israeli forces and civilians.

On Thursday, the IDF struck a Hamas-PIJ command and control center in Jabalia used to orchestrate terror operations. According to the IDF, “numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians,” including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance and real-time intelligence.

A similar strike was carried out overnight on Wednesday, targeting a terrorist gathering inside a Hamas-PIJ command post embedded within the former “Jaffa” School in Gaza City. That site was also used to plan and execute attacks, military officials said.

Both operations underscore ongoing concerns over the systematic use of civilian infrastructure by terror groups. “The terrorist organizations violate international law and exploit the civilian population as human shields,” the joint IDF-ISA statement said.

The military vowed to continue operations against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad to protect the State of Israel.

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