Israeli Air Force strikes 120 sites in Gaza

ISTANBUL

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said Sunday that it targeted 120 sites in Gaza amid escalating tensions with Palestine.

"IAF fighter jets struck 120 terror targets in three rounds in the Beit Hanoun area in the Gaza Strip," it said on X.

"Beit Hanoun serves as a hub for the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip, from which many operations against Israel were launched, including over the last two days," it added. "These strikes constitute a significant advancement in the IAF's responsive strikes against the Hamas terrorist organization."

The army also said that simultaneously, a Hamas operational terror tunnel was struck. "The tunnel was located under a multi-story building in the northern part of Gaza City.

"A mosque is located adjacent to the tunnel, proving once again that Hamas deliberately embeds its military infrastructure in civilian areas," it added.

Israeli forces spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said they have struck 800 Hamas targets since the fighting began.

The Palestinian group Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, saying the unprecedented attack was in response to the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and increased settler violence. It said it fired rockets and captured many Israelis.

At least 700 Israelis have been killed and over 2,300 others wounded in the attack, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.

In retaliation, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas with a series of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, killing more than 430 Palestinians and wounding at least 2,300 others.

Fighting continued into its second day on Sunday, and Israel declared a state of war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to use all of Israel’s strength to destroy Hamas’ capabilities and “take revenge for this black day.”