During the first day of Operation “Strength and Sword,” the IDF targeted dozens of Hamas terror sites and operatives across Gaza, including mid-level commanders and senior figures in the terrorist organization’s political wing. Overnight, the Air Force struck 20 additional targets in the Strip.
Updates:
15:50 – Arab Reports: IDF Tanks Advancing Toward Netzarim Corridor
Sources in Gaza report the movement of Israeli tanks toward the Netzarim area along Salah al-Din Road.
14:37 – Reports Indicate Over 70 Injured Gazans Were Flown to Romania and Italy from Ramon Airport.
14:18 – IDF Updates: These Were the Air Force’s Overnight Targets
“The IDF continued overnight waves of strikes across Gaza, using fighter jets and naval forces to eliminate dozens of terrorists from Hamas and other groups. Additionally, terror infrastructure and rocket launch sites were destroyed. Among the targets was Hamas’ battalion headquarters in Daraj Tuffah, a site used to plan numerous terror attacks against Israel’s home front and IDF forces. The IDF will continue operating to eliminate the Hamas threat and safeguard Israeli citizens,” the military stated.
13:46 – IDF Denies Striking a UN Facility
“Contrary to reports, the IDF did not attack a UN compound in Deir al-Balah. We urge media outlets to verify reports before publishing,” the IDF stated.
12:50 – Palestinians Claim IDF Struck a UN Facility
Gaza reports suggest an IDF strike on a UN facility, allegedly resulting in the death of one worker and injuries to several others.
12:46 – Three Terrorists Eliminated
According to Palestinian sources, an Israeli strike in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza killed three terrorists and wounded others.
09:46 – Security Drill in Gush Etzion Amid Gaza Fighting
A security drill is being conducted in the Tekoa area, particularly near Hariton Cave and the local security unit. The exercise is scheduled between 18:00-20:00 and will involve increased military and security forces activity.
09:08 – IDF Arabic Spokesman Issues Urgent Evacuation Warning to Gazans
IDF Arabic Spokesperson Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee issued an urgent warning to residents of Beit Hanoun, Khirbat Khuza’a, and the Abasan areas, urging them to evacuate immediately.
In a post on his X account, Adraee wrote: “We reiterate our warnings to Gaza residents in the designated red zones, especially in Beit Hanoun, Khirbat Khuza’a, and Abasan al-Kabira and al-Jadida. For your safety, evacuate immediately to known shelters in western Gaza City and Khan Yunis. Anyone remaining in these areas is putting their life and their family’s lives at risk.”
#عاجل ‼️ نكرر تحذيراتنا إلى سكان قطاع غزة المتواجدين في المنطقة المحددة بالأحمر وتحديدًا في بيت حانون، خربة خزاعة، عبسان الكبيرة والجديدة
⭕️من أجل أمنكم عليكم الإخلاء فورًا إلى مراكز الإيواء المعروفة في غرب مدينة غزة وتلك الموجودة في مدينة خانيونس.
⭕️ بقائكم في المناطق المحددة… pic.twitter.com/BJd3hv9tKx— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) March 19, 2025
09:24 – IDF: Air Force Struck 20 Hamas and Islamic Jihad Targets Overnight
Overnight, the IDF Air Force struck 20 Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza.
09:14 – IDF Spokesperson Updates: The Military Continues to Strike Terror Targets in Gaza
The IDF struck a Hamas military site in northern Gaza, which was preparing for rocket fire into Israeli territory. Additionally, the Navy targeted several vessels intended for terror activity by Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
The IDF Spokesperson stated: “The IDF continues targeting terror infrastructure in Gaza to eliminate any threats against Israeli citizens and soldiers.”
08:08 – Gaza Reports 14 Terrorists Eliminated Overnight in IDF Strikes
Following IDF airstrikes, Gaza reports indicate 14 terrorists killed.
07:45 – Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Open to Accepting Gazans
Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan Bekal suggested in a statement to Kan 11 that his country might consider accepting Gazan refugees: “The most important thing for us is gaining international recognition after demonstrating that we are a peaceful and democratic state, independent for 33 years,” he stated.
“We are open to discussions on any matter, but we do not want to speculate on issues that have not yet been formally addressed. Any country wishing to negotiate with us must first establish diplomatic relations and open official representations in Somaliland,” he added.
Negotiations Will Now Take Place Only Under Fire
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in a press statement that Israel would act against Hamas “with increasing force.” “From this point forward,” Netanyahu stated, “negotiations will take place only under fire.”
Regarding the next phases of the war, the Prime Minister emphasized: “Hamas already felt our strength over the past 24 hours, and I want to assure you—and them—this is only the beginning. We will continue fighting until all of our war objectives are achieved: the release of all our hostages, the destruction of Hamas, and ensuring that Gaza will never again pose a threat to Israel.”
“Sustained Action Against Hamas, Alongside Our Full Commitment to Bringing Back the Hostages”
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir toured the Rafah area in Gaza alongside Gaza Division Commander Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram and Givati Brigade Commander Col. L. During his visit, he reviewed operational plans and spoke with troops. Zamir told his commanders: “Your mission is to protect these communities. We are in sustained action against Hamas, alongside our full commitment to bringing back the hostages.”
