No immunity for Hamas leadership, Israel warns as Gaza agency says over 100 killed in IDF strikes

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned on Wednesday that Hamas leaders would have “no immunity” following a series of Israeli air strikes on Gaza launched in response to an attack on Israeli troops.

“There will be no immunity for anyone in the leadership of the terrorist organisation Hamas — neither for those in suits nor for those hiding in tunnels,” Katz said, referring to Hamas political figures based in Doha. He added that anyone who attacks Israeli soldiers would face “severe consequences” and said the military had been instructed to act “decisively” against all Hamas targets.

The Israeli military confirmed that a 37-year-old soldier had been killed in fighting in the southern Gaza Strip. In a short statement, the army said the soldier’s family had been informed before the news was released, without giving details of the timing or circumstances.

More than 100 killed in Gaza air strikes

Gaza’s civil defence agency and hospitals reported that Israeli air strikes killed more than 100 people across the territory within 12 hours.

“At least 101 fatalities were brought to hospitals, including 35 children and a number of women and elderly, as a result of Israeli air strikes in less than 12 hours,” said Mahmud Bassal, spokesman for Gaza’s civil defence agency, which operates under Hamas authority.

More from World

Hamas returns body of another hostage as families urge Netanyahu to pause ceasefire deal Peace in Gaza requires harmonising Israel’s existence with Palestinian demands

The death toll was confirmed by an AFP tally based on reports from medical officials at five Gaza hospitals that received the victims.