IDF confirms: 'We have begun Military Operations in Rafah'

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have begun intensifying their operations across the Gaza Strip, launching a ground offensive in the Shaboura neighborhood of Rafah in the south while maintaining aggressive actions in the north and center, according to an IDF spokesperson. In Rafah, troops destroyed multiple terror-related infrastructures in the past few hours, marking a significant escalation in the southern sector.

Simultaneously, IDF forces in northern Gaza dismantled a key Hamas command and control compound, which had served as a hub for planning and executing terrorist operations against Israeli soldiers and civilians in recent months. In central Gaza, operations continued unabated, targeting threats embedded within civilian areas. Fighter jets and aircraft bolstered these efforts, striking terrorists and demolishing terror infrastructure belonging to various groups throughout the Strip over the last several hours.

The IDF, in coordination with the Shin Bet (ISA), vowed to sustain its campaign against terrorist organizations in Gaza to safeguard Israeli citizens. “We’ve begun operating in Rafah,” the spokesperson noted, signaling a broadening of the military footprint. Attached images from the Gaza Division’s activities in Rafah underscored the scale of the operation, showcasing troops in action amid the urban terrain.

This multi-front push follows a pattern of heightened IDF activity, including the recent thwarting of a Houthi missile attack and ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas’ operational capabilities. The Shaboura incursion aligns with Defense Minister Israel Katz’s ultimatum to Gaza residents to oust Hamas or face severe consequences, reflecting a strategy of relentless pressure. As jets roar overhead and ground forces advance, the IDF’s message is clear: no corner of Gaza will remain a safe haven for terror networks plotting against Israel. The operations, spanning Rafah to the north, highlight a comprehensive effort to neutralize threats and secure the nation’s borders.