The Israel Defense Forces announced Friday night that it destroyed five Hamas weapons storage sites across the Gaza Strip, including one located next to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, as part of ongoing operations against terrorist threats.
The operation was conducted under the direction of the Israel Security Agency and targeted facilities where Hamas had stockpiled military equipment. The caches contained Kalashnikov rifles, anti-tank launchers, explosive devices, ammunition, and other weapons intended for future attacks.
One of the targeted weapons depots was situated adjacent to the hospital and served as a hideout for Hamas operatives who used the location to conceal arms.
The IDF stated: "This is another example of Hamas' systematic use of and embedding within civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities, to plan and carry out terrorist activities."
Israeli officials said the weapons were intended for use in attacks against IDF forces operating in the Yellow Line area, as well as Israeli civilians. The military said the strikes were carried out to eliminate that threat before the weapons could be used.
The IDF noted that steps were taken in advance to reduce civilian harm. "Prior to the strikes, steps were taken to mitigate harm to civilians, including the issuing of advance warnings, the use of precise munitions, and aerial surveillance."
The military added that Israeli forces remain deployed in the area under the ceasefire agreement terms. "IDF troops under the Southern Command remain deployed in the area in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue to operate to remove any threat."