IDF Continues Terror Target Strikes in Gaza

Latest Developments

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have struck 22,000 terror targets in Gaza since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, according to an IDF statement on December 10. It added, “since Hamas violated the operational pause and the IDF resumed combat, the IAF has struck over 3,500 terror targets in the Gaza Strip.” More than 7,000 Hamas members have been eliminated in the airstrikes, according to IDF estimates. Fighting continues in both northern and southern Gaza. “In addition, IDF naval troops are operating off the coast of the Gaza Strip, supporting IDF ground troops and striking terror targets from the sea,” ABC News reported.

Expert Analysis

“The IDF continues to pressure Hamas in northern Gaza and in Khan Yunis, surrounding and defeating Hamas units. It is essential that Hamas be defeated completely in Gaza and its leadership eliminated so that it can no longer pose the kind of threat it did on October 7. Hamas continues to fire rockets at Israel, and it also holds 138 hostages in Gaza.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“Apart from a few commanders, so-called political figures, and fighters killed in Lebanon, Hamas is concealing its casualty numbers. It intends to avoid exposing significant losses, thereby not revealing the Israeli military’s progress in dismantling the group.” — Joe Truzman, Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Recently Promoted Hamas Commander Eliminated

The IDF eliminated Hamas’s Shujaiya Battalion commander Emad Krikae as part of its efforts to defeat Hamas battalions in neighborhoods such as Shujaiya and Jabaliya, both adjacent to Gaza City. Hamas operates throughout Gaza, with each battalion of several hundred fighters controlling a neighborhood or area. Krikae had been promoted after the previous commander was eliminated by the IDF. On December 5, the IDF also eliminated commanders of the Northern Gaza Strip brigade.

IDF Artillery Strikes 20 Terror Targets 

IDF artillery supporting ground operations struck 20 terror targets in a recent operation, according to an IDF statement on December 10. “Since the start of the war, the Artillery Corps has been operating on the border of the Gaza Strip, assisting the ground forces with fire support for operations and rescue efforts,” the IDF said. The IDF’s 282nd Artillery Brigade, which supports ground troops in Gaza, has recently been operating in support of the 188th Armored Brigade in battles in Shujaiya, the IDF said on Sunday.

Related Analysis

“Weapons and Tunnel at Gaza’s Al-Azhar University Uncovered by IDF,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Creates Maps of Gaza Strip to Aid Civilian Evacuations,” FDD Flash Brief

“Dozens of Terror Targets in Khan Younis Struck by Israel,” FDD Flash Brief