.webp)
December 13, 2025 — Dalena Reporters
The Israeli military on Saturday said it had carried out a targeted strike in Gaza City aimed at what it described as a senior Hamas operative, underscoring the persistence of military operations despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the war‑ravaged enclave.
According to a statement released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strike was directed at a “key Hamas terrorist” allegedly responsible for coordinating attacks against Israeli forces and civilians. The military said the operation was based on what it described as precise intelligence, though it did not immediately disclose the identity of the individual or confirm whether the target had been killed.
The IDF said the strike was conducted in a densely populated area of Gaza City, adding that steps were taken to minimize civilian harm. Palestinian medical sources, however, reported casualties following the attack, with emergency responders rushing wounded residents to nearby hospitals already strained by shortages of fuel, medicines, and personnel.
Hamas has not confirmed the fate of the individual Israel says it targeted. The militant group accused Israel of carrying out what it described as indiscriminate attacks and said civilians continued to bear the brunt of Israeli military operations across the Gaza Strip.
The latest strike comes amid fragile diplomatic efforts involving regional and international mediators seeking to prevent a wider escalation and to expand humanitarian access to Gaza. While active hostilities have fluctuated in intensity, Israeli officials insist that operations against Hamas leadership and infrastructure remain ongoing.
Israeli authorities maintain that Hamas continues to operate command structures within civilian areas, a claim the group denies. The IDF said it would continue targeting Hamas figures it considers central to the group’s military capabilities.
Reuters reported that the Israeli military characterized the target as a figure of “operational significance,” reinforcing Israel’s position that eliminating senior Hamas operatives is essential to weakening the group’s ability to regroup.
International observers have repeatedly warned that continued strikes in Gaza City risk worsening an already catastrophic humanitarian situation. The United Nations estimates that the majority of Gaza’s population remains displaced, with limited access to safe shelter, clean water, and medical care.
As the conflict drags on, the targeted killing highlights the enduring volatility of the Israel‑Hamas confrontation and the challenge facing diplomats attempting to balance security objectives with urgent humanitarian concerns.