The Israeli Air Force and Navy carried out strikes in the Gaza Strip overnight into Thursday. Four senior Hamas security officials were killed in the operation, including Hassan Labad, the deputy head of the security mechanism.
Gaza health officials reported at least nine Palestinians killed in strikes on four apartments. Five members of a single family were among the dead, with 15 others injured in the attacks.
The IDF stated the security mechanism was responsible for protecting Hamas leadership and coordinating terror activities. The strikes were conducted after the officials were linked to efforts to rebuild Hamas and plan attacks against Israel.