Israel launches ‘one of the largest air strikes ever’ on Hamas

Israeli forces say they launched one of the largest air strike operations “ever” against Hamas in the city of Gaza, claiming to have struck hundreds of targets with fighter jets on Monday alone as troops seek to destroy Palestinian militants for launching a massive attack on Israel over the weekend.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its air force hit 1,200 targets in Gaza between Saturday and Monday, but forces “doubled that number” Monday.

Israel said it is targeting weapons storage units, manufacturing sites, and command and control centers operated by Hamas and other Palestinian militants.

“The [air force] is conducting one of the largest air strikes ever against Hamas in Gaza to degrade and destroy their ability to terrorize the people of Israel,” the IDF wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Hamas launched a war. We will restore security to our country.”

The Israeli Air Force said targets have been struck in Beit Hanoun, Sajaiya, El-Furqan and Rimal in the Gaza Strip. Videos shared by the Air Force on X show buildings completely decimated by rocket strikes.

Close to 500 people have died inside of Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

Israel has mostly regained control of communities on the border of Gaza in southern Israel, where scores of Hamas militants invaded Saturday in an unprecedented attack that left at least 700 dead in Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war shortly after the attack and formally declared war Sunday at a security cabinet meeting.

Netanyahu on Monday said forces will begin a major counteroffensive to clear out Hamas and Palestinian militants to exact a “huge price” against them for the attack.

That’s expected to include a ground operation inside Gaza, after Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Gaza will be under “complete siege” and has ordered electricity, fuel and food to be cut off in the city.