Israel Strikes Hamas Squad in Gaza, Hits 70+ Iran Targets in Major Escalation

Sharing the details in a post on X, the IDF said, "IDF forces identified earlier today an armed terrorist squad from the Hamas terror organisation, which was operating near IDF forces operating in the northern Gaza Strip in a manner that posed an immediate threat to the forces."

It further noted, "Immediately after the identification, the IDF attacked the squad in a targeted manner with the aim of removing the threat; a hit was identified. IDF forces under Southern Command are deployed in the area in accordance with the agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat"

Meanwhile, the IDF said on Friday that it conducted over 70 strikes across several targets in Iran on Thursday. Sharing the details in a post on X, it said that on Thursday, the IDF completed more than 70 strikes in western and central Iran targeting ballistic missile launch sites and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday shared operational updates from Iran and Lebanon and informed that Iran's 70 per cent steel production capacity has been destroyed. He highlighted that there is full coordination between the US military and Israeli Defence Forces and also thanked the citizens of Israel for their steadfast support.

He made the remarks in a video message which was shared by the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel.

"Together with our American friends, we are continuing to crush the terrorist regime in Iran. We are eliminating commanders and bombing bridges and infrastructure. In recent days, the Air Force has destroyed 70 per cent of Iran's steel production capacity", Netanyahu said.

Calling it a "tremendous achievement", the Israeli PM said that it deprives the IRGC of "both funding sources and the ability to produce large quantities of weapons."

He further noted that in full coordination between him and President Trump, the IDF and the US military, they would continue to "crush Iran".

He added that while the Iranian regime is weaker than ever, Israel stands stronger than ever.

Sharing operational updates from Lebanon, Netanyahu said in the video message, "In Lebanon, we are continuing to forcefully strike at Hezbollah. We are continuing to expand the security zone and firmly establish it in order to protect the communities of the North."

He lauded the citizens of Israel for standing steadfast and following the instructions of the Home Front Command even on Passover Seder night and urged them to continue to do so.

The developments come as the conflict in West Asia has entered its second month now.

- ANI