The Israel Defense Forces said it carried out a series of operations in Gaza and the Jenin area targeting Hamas operatives, weapons storage facilities and individuals accused of planning attacks against Israelis.
The announcements, issued on August 23 and 24, included claims that Hamas had continued rebuilding its military capabilities and maintaining weapons infrastructure despite the ceasefire.
Hamas Weapons Facilities Reportedly Found in Mosques
According to the IDF, two weapons storage facilities located inside mosques in Gaza were dismantled during Israeli military operations.
The facilities allegedly contained dozens of Kalashnikov rifles, magazines and other military equipment. The IDF said Hamas had used the religious sites to conceal weapons, describing the practice as a violation of international law.
In a separate statement, the military said Hamas had stored rockets, grenades, explosive devices, ammunition and other weapons inside facilities located near humanitarian infrastructure.
Israel Says Weapons Site Was Near Aid Distribution Point
The IDF also reported the killing of Ismail Abu Ful, whom it identified as a commander at a weapons manufacturing facility belonging to Hamas’ production headquarters.
Israeli forces said Abu Ful was involved in producing explosive devices and anti-tank rockets for Hamas’ military wing. The IDF said the manufacturing facility itself was also struck.
According to the Israeli military, the site had been established near an aid distribution point operated by an international organisation. Israel argued that the location demonstrated what it described as Hamas’ use of civilian and humanitarian areas for military purposes.
Two Suspects Arrested Near Jenin
In the Jenin area, Israeli forces said they apprehended two individuals suspected of planning attacks against Israeli civilians.
The IDF specifically identified Imam Khazzam, whom it said had expressed an intention to carry out a terror attack. The military also linked him to Fathi Hazzam, who was killed after allegedly attempting to stab an Israeli soldier during an operation in the Jenin area.
The arrests were described by the IDF as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the northern West Bank.
IDF Says October 7 Participants Were Targeted
Israeli forces also reported strikes against Hamas operatives accused of participating in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
The IDF identified Mohammad Abd al-Nasser Jabr Abu Asaad as a Nukhba operative who allegedly infiltrated Israel during the attack and later participated in efforts to plan additional attacks against Israeli civilians and military personnel.
Another statement identified a Nukhba platoon commander who the IDF said had also entered Israel during the October 7 attack. According to the military, the commander subsequently advanced attacks against Israeli troops operating in Gaza throughout the war.
Israel Links Operations to Ceasefire Violations
The IDF said its latest operations were aimed at preventing Hamas from restoring its military capabilities and preparing further attacks.
Israeli authorities have continued to accuse Hamas of violating ceasefire arrangements by maintaining weapons stockpiles and military infrastructure in Gaza. Hamas has disputed Israeli accounts of its activities and has repeatedly rejected Israeli characterisations of its military operations.
The latest Israeli statements highlight the continuing security tensions surrounding the ceasefire, with Israel maintaining that military action remains necessary to prevent renewed attacks while Hamas and other Palestinian factions have challenged Israel’s conduct of military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
