IAF strikes over 150 Gaza terror targets, ground forces expand operations

IAF's strikes targeted Beit Lahiya and Jabalya in northern Gaza with heavy airstrikes on Thursday overnight, The Jerusalem Post has learned

Smoke rises from Gaza following an explosion, as seen from Israel, May 16, 2025.  (photo credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD)
Smoke rises from Gaza following an explosion, as seen from Israel, May 16, 2025.
(photo credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD)

The Israel Air Force, with intelligence from the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), struck over 150 terrorist targets throughout the Gaza Strip, including anti-tank missile posts, terror cells, military structures, and operational centers utilized by terrorists to carry out attacks against IDF soldiers, the military confirmed on Friday.

The IAF targeted Beit Lahiya and Jabalya in northern Gaza with heavy airstrikes on Thursday overnight, The Jerusalem Post learned.

In the northern Gaza Strip, IDF troops operated to locate and dismantle terrorist infrastructure, including killing several terrorists who were operating in an observation compound, the military added.

Further, IDF soldiers continued to operate in southern Gaza, including dismantling terrorist infrastructure, structures, and shafts belonging to Hamas, the military statement continued.

 An IDF tank amid counterterrorism operations in the Gaza Strip, May 16, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
An IDF tank amid counterterrorism operations in the Gaza Strip, May 16, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

In addition, several terrorists planning to plant an explosive device at an unconfirmed location were killed by the IDF.

IDF personnel conduct counterterrorism operations across the Gaza Strip; May 16, 2025. (CREDIT: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

IDF had planned to expand Gaza operations

These statements from the military came following the IDF's call-up orders for tens of thousands of reservists earlier in May, as the military plans to expand its operations in Gaza. 

At the time, the military said that the expansion would be in stages, signaling that it could take days or weeks before having a clearer picture of the strategy and impact of the IDF’s further invasion.

Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report. 



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