Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes in northern Gaza overnight, targeting over 150 underground tunnels and bunkers used by the Hamas terror group. The airstrikes were accompanied by a limited ground incursion by Israeli forces into the Strip. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared that the war had entered a new phase and that the ground activity would continue indefinitely. The airstrikes caused continuous explosions and lit up the sky over Gaza City for hours.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that several Hamas terrorists were killed in the airstrikes and in clashes with Israeli troops. Among the casualties was the head of Hamas's aerial array, Issam Abu Rukbeh, responsible for managing the group's drones, paragliders, and air defenses. The IDF also targeted the commander of Hamas's naval forces of the Gaza City Brigade, Rateb Abu Sahiban.

Abu Rukbeh was involved in planning and executing the October 7 attack by Hamas, which involved paragliders and drone attacks on IDF observation posts. Abu Sahiban planned a failed infiltration attempt via the sea on October 24, which was foiled by Israeli Navy forces.

The Israeli offensive in Gaza appears to be intensifying, with a focus on destroying Hamas's infrastructure and targeting key leaders. The situation in the region remains tense, and the conflict shows no signs of abating.