IDF says it has demolished dozens of ‘terror targets’ in fresh offensive in Gaza City’s Zeitoun outskirts

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

IDF troops operate in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, in a handout photo issued on August 15, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)
IDF troops operate in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, in a handout photo issued on August 15, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)

The IDF provides new details on its fresh offensive in the Zeitoun area on the outskirts of Gaza City, which was launched earlier this week.

The offensive is being carried out by the 99th Division with the Nahal Infantry Brigade and 7th Armored Brigade.

According to the IDF, the troops have so far demolished dozens of “terror targets,” including booby-trapped buildings and sites where weapons were stored, and killed some 20 terror operatives.

IDF troops operate in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, in a handout photo issued on August 15, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)

In one incident, the military says the 7th Brigade troops spotted several operatives who fired an RPG at a tank, without causing injuries. The operatives were then eliminated in a strike, according to the IDF.

The Nahal Brigade troops have meanwhile been working on clearing the area of Hamas infrastructure and establishing control. The army says the Nahal soldiers killed several operatives who were spotted planting bombs, and others who approached the forces.

IDF troops operate in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, in a handout photo issued on August 15, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)

Additionally, the division’s 990th Artillery Regiment has provided the ground troops with covering fire. Ahead of the offensive and during it, the IDF says the artillery unit shelled terror infrastructure and killed several operatives, including a Hamas platoon commander in the Zeitoun Battalion.

The Israeli Air Force has also been provided support, striking Hamas sites and operatives in the area.

Ahead of the operation, the IDF issued multiple evacuation warnings for Palestinian civilians who were residing in the area.

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