Full Breakdown
Israeli Airstrike Targets Hamas Commanders in Gaza City
8/18/2026, 11:43:46 PM
Airstrike on July 12, 2026 Targets Hamas Leaders
On July 12, 2026 the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out an airstrike in the Shati district of northern Gaza City. The IDF said the operation hit a café where four Hamas commanders—one company commander and three platoon commanders—had gathered. The strike also killed several other militants present at the location. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reported six fatalities, a figure echoed by Army Radio, which added that ten people were wounded.
Policy Context for Gaza Strikes
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently revised Israel’s rules for operations in Gaza, requiring approval from IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Col. Eyal Zamir for most strikes. An exception allows immediate action against threats to Israeli soldiers or border communities.
Casualties and Commanders Killed
- Fatalities: Six people killed (Gaza Health Ministry; Army Radio).
- Injuries: Ten wounded (Army Radio).
- Commanders: Four Hamas Nukhba force commanders confirmed killed; they had participated in the October 7 massacre.
Official Reactions
The IDF stated that measures were taken beforehand to mitigate civilian harm. The Israeli military also highlighted that the targeted commanders were directly involved in the October 7 attack.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Israel's policy in Gaza, as clarified to the IDF by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is clear: Remove threats, eliminate terrorists, and exact retribution from anyone who took part in the October 7 massacre,” — Israel Katz, Defense Minister
