What it’s about:

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a surprise operation in Shejaia, a neighborhood in Gaza, causing its residents to evacuate. The Sdot Negev Regional Council notified Israeli residents to expect loud explosions due to the military activity.

Why it matters:

This maneuver highlights the IDF’s commitment to maintaining Israeli security and addressing threats emerging from Gaza. Residents’ safety, both in Gaza and Israel, remains a primary focus of these operations.

‘You Must Evacuate’

Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee, an IDF Arabic spokesperson, issued a directive for Shejaia residents to evacuate immediately for their safety, advising them to move towards Salah ad-Din Street which is designated as a humanitarian zone.

The Details:

Reports indicate sustained artillery shelling and helicopter fire in the neighborhood, with IDF vehicles advancing from multiple directions, securing key areas such as Baghdad Street and Jabal Al-Rais.

Sources in Shejaia stated that the IDF’s actions, including surrounding a residential building, took everyone by surprise, and there have been intense exchanges of fire and bombings. The Sdot Negev Regional Council reassured Israeli civilians of their safety amid the necessary operations.

This story was first published on jpost.com.