In a second targeting of leaders from the Islamic Jihad Movement on Tuesday, the Israeli army announced that a military aircraft targeted a cell of anti-tank missile launchers in the Khan Younis area in southern Gaza. Reports indicated that Islamic Jihad's rocket unit commander, Khaled Al-Fara, was killed when his car was struck by a missile. The Palestinian Health Ministry stated, "The bodies inside the car were completely charred, making it currently impossible to confirm the identities of the targeted individuals." Reuters reported, citing paramedics, that "two Palestinians were killed in the Israeli strike targeting a car in southern Gaza." Meanwhile, the Hebrew website "Kodkod" reported that the death toll had risen to three.
The Islamic Jihad Movement confirmed in its comment on the recent operation that it is preparing to respond: "We and the other factions of the Palestinian resistance in the joint operations room know when to respond; the occupation should wait and anticipate a state of fear and panic around the clock until the response comes, which they will not expect."
Khan Younis also witnessed Israeli artillery shelling targeting areas east of Khan Younis on Tuesday.
A video surfaced showing the moment a bomb exploded in an Israeli military convoy in the city of Nablus in the northern West Bank.
In a summary of today's targets, the Gaza Health Ministry announced, "The number of martyrs has risen to 15, including 4 children and 4 women."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the army is prepared for any scenario: "We are in the midst of a military operation and ready for any developments," stating that "the Israeli arm is long, reaching every 'terrorist' at any time and place," referring to the initiation of a military operation with the Shin Bet aimed at carrying out assassinations.
Following the targeting of the vehicle in Khan Younis, Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee announced that "a military aircraft targeted a short while ago a cell of anti-tank missile launchers affiliated with the Islamic Jihad Movement that was traveling in a vehicle towards a launch site in Khan Younis." The army's reconnaissance units had tracked the cell and initiated the strike while it was en route to the site.
Israeli media reported that the "Cabinet" has given Netanyahu and Gallant the green light to carry out additional operations in the coming days.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Tuesday evening that the operation demonstrated the strength of the security system. He added, "For years we have sought to reach a calm, but it has become clear to us that we must strike the leaders to protect the innocent among us." He urged the residents to be cautious and prepared for any developments.
Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz stated that "if Hamas joins the violence and launches rockets, the leaders like Deif and Sinwar will be targets we operate to assassinate."
Reports indicate that instructions were given to residents in Tel Aviv to open shelters, amid news of about 2,000 settlers fleeing from the Gaza envelope area. Several surrounding villages announced the cancellation of classes tomorrow.
In Hebron, reports indicated that a Palestinian woman was killed during an armed clash with Israeli forces in southern Hebron.
Russia announced on Tuesday that a family holding Russian nationality was killed in the "Gaza operation."
Reactions included the Arab League condemning the crime committed by the Israeli army in Gaza. The Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and the Occupied Arab Territories at the Arab League, Saeed Abu Ali, confirmed that "this serious escalation comes within the context of the open war waged by the Israeli government against the Palestinian people and its properties and sanctities, in line with its declared policy to eliminate any chance for peace and ignite the flames of chaos and violence in the region."
He called for the international community, particularly the Security Council, to intervene immediately to stop the Israeli assaults and provide international protection for the Palestinian people and to hold accountable those committing crimes against them.
The European Union expressed its concern on Tuesday about the escalation in Gaza following Israeli airstrikes.
Lebanon reported through Channel 12 that "there may be a response from Lebanon, and we will not stand idly by after this." The Lebanese Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli aggression against Gaza and the incursion into Nablus, warning of the danger of the Israeli escalation and the continued violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites, which poses a severe threat to international peace and security.
They called for urgent international action to immediately cease fire and the Israeli escalation to avoid the continuation of the cycle of violence and loss of life and property.
Hamas representative in Lebanon, Ahmed Abdul Hadi, announced that "there will be a harsh and overwhelming response coming soon."
Amid the escalation in Gaza, the Lebanese army and UNIFIL conducted joint patrols in the south to prevent any escalation.
In a notable statement, UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti, in response to a question about the situation in the south, indicated that "the UNIFIL mandate includes preventing hostile activities and maintaining stability in the south."
He said, "A part of our mission is to ensure that no weapons or missiles are present in our area of operations, and this is done in coordination with the Lebanese armed forces."
He added, "We have activities aimed at preventing missile launches, along with patrolling our area of operations; these are regular activities."
There were also calls via loudspeakers for residents of the "Metula" border settlement with Lebanon to stay close to safe areas.
