Day 153: Israel continues targeted strikes in Gaza as ceasefire deal before Ramadan looks doubtful

The IDF continues operations in Khan Younis and reports indicate the government is moving ahead with plans for its military operation in Rafah as Hamas refuses to soften its position in the hostage negotiations. 

Israeli Defense Forces announced on Wednesday night that it had eliminated Ammar Atia Darwish al-Adini, head of Hamas’ rocket division in Central Gaza. 

According to the Israeli military, al-Adini served as a Hamas operative for decades and, in his current position, was responsible for planning rocket launches from Operation Cast Lead in 2008 until the current war, Operation Swords of Iron.

IDF troops conducting targeted raids in the "Hamad City" neighborhood of Khan Younis located a weapons manufacturing facility, explosive devices and military equipment. The soldiers also uncovered terror tunnel shafts and dismantled command centers used by Hamas. 

In another operation in the Al-Qarara neighborhood, soldiers identified six armed terrorists entering a military compound containing a launch post. An IDF fighter jet struck the compound and killed the terrorists before they were able to launch.  

During operations in central Gaza, IDF soldiers eliminated approximately 10 terrorists over the past 24 hours. In one operation, soldiers identified a terrorist cell loading military equipment onto a vehicle near the troops. An IDF aircraft struck the vehicle, killing several terrorists. Secondary explosions indicated the vehicle contained numerous weapons and explosives. 

Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported that the Biden administration, concerned about a humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip, is considering ways to prevent Israel from using American weapons if Israel carries out its planned operations in Rafah.

According to the report, a decision has not yet been made but the debate indicates the administration’s concern over the situation in Gaza and its effect on Biden’s election campaign. 

U.S. President Joe Biden has been pushing for a six-week temporary ceasefire as part of the hostage negotiations, which he hoped to achieve before the start of Ramadan on Sunday. However, Hamas has recently hardened its position, demanding a permanent ceasefire and a withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the entire Gaza Strip before agreeing to the release of hostages.

Hamas senior leader Sami Abu Zuhri recently stated the Americans are “talking about a temporary ceasefire for six weeks, and we want a complete ceasefire.” 

He said that Hamas will not accept “stipulations in favor of Israel.”