IDF confirms Gaza City strike, says it targeted Hamas operative who posed threat to troops

The military confirms carrying out a strike in Gaza City’s Tuffah neighborhood that reportedly killed 18 Palestinians, including children, saying it had targeted a Hamas operative.

The strike earlier today, in an area that has been under evacuation orders for weeks, targeted a Hamas operative who “posed a threat to troops operating in the area,” the IDF says in response to a query.

The military says it took “many steps” to mitigate civilian harm in the strike, including by using precision munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional intelligence information.

The IDF says it is aware of the reports of civilian casualties in the area, adding that it is further investigating.

“The IDF regrets any harm to uninvolved civilians and acts to minimize such harm as much as possible,” it adds.

The strike came as the IDF paused offensive operations in the Strip amid a push by US President Donald Trump to bring about an end to the war. The IDF is still conducting defensive operations, including airstrikes against threats to forces.