During the first 24 hours of Operation Oz veCherev (Strength and Sword), the IDF struck dozens of Hamas terror targets across the Gaza Strip, including mid-level commanders and senior officials in Hamas’ political wing. Overnight, the Air Force struck an additional 20 terror targets across Gaza. Reports from Gaza indicate that 14 people were killed in the attacks.
The IDF struck a Hamas military site in northern Gaza that was being prepared for launching attacks against Israel. Additionally, the Israeli Navy targeted several vessels along Gaza’s coastline that were intended for terrorist operations by Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
The IDF Spokesperson stated: “The IDF continues striking terror targets in Gaza to eliminate any threats against Israeli civilians and military forces.”
IDF Spokesperson in Arabic Issues Urgent Evacuation Warning
IDF Spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee issued an emergency warning to Gazans in the neighborhoods of Beit Hanoun, Khirbet Khuza’a, and Abasan al-Kabira and al-Jadida.
In a post on his X account, he wrote: “We reiterate our warnings to residents of Gaza in the designated red zones, especially in Beit Hanoun, Khirbet Khuza’a, Abasan al-Kabira, and al-Jadida. For your safety, you must immediately evacuate to recognized shelters in western Gaza City and Khan Younis. Anyone remaining in these areas endangers their lives and the lives of their family members.”
#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
Somaliland Foreign Minister Open to Discussing Potential Gaza Refugee Absorption
Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Adan Bakaal hinted in a statement to Kan 11 news channel that his country might be open to discussing the possibility of accepting Gaza refugees.
“The most important thing for us is gaining international recognition, after proving to the world that we are a peaceful and democratic country that has been independent for 33 years,” he stated.
“We are open to discussing any issue, but we do not want to engage in speculation about matters that have not yet been discussed. Any country that wishes to negotiate specific topics with us must first establish official relations and open diplomatic missions in Somaliland,” he added.
From Now On, Negotiations Will Only Take Place Under Fire
Last night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in a press statement that Israel will strike Hamas with increasing force. “From now on, negotiations will only take place under fire,” Netanyahu stated. Regarding the next phases of the war, he added: “Hamas has already felt the power of our response over the past 24 hours, and I assure you—and them—this is only the beginning. We will continue fighting until we achieve all the war’s objectives: the release of all our hostages, the elimination of Hamas, and ensuring that Gaza will never again pose a threat to Israel.”
Later, the Prime Minister laid out the Israeli position in a short video on X, noting Hamas’s refusal to accept the Witkoff proposal despite Israel’s agreement, and the plight of the hostages still in captivity.
“In the face of pure evil, free societies have no choice but to fight”, he said.
Hamas is responsible for this war. pic.twitter.com/JRabT6KAv4
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 18, 2025
“Ongoing Action Against Hamas, Alongside the IDF’s Full Commitment to Bringing Our Hostages Home”
IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, conducted a field tour in the Rafah area of the Gaza Strip alongside Gaza Division Commander Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram, Givati Brigade Commander Col. L, and other senior officers. During his visit, the Chief of Staff spoke with soldiers and reviewed defensive preparations and operational plans moving forward. While in Rafah, he told his troops: “Your mission is to defend the communities here. We are engaged in ongoing action against Hamas, while fully committed to bringing our hostages home.”
