Palestine-bases militant movement Hamas said as many as 50 hostages, abducted by its operators on October 7, were killed since Israel launched a massive counteroffensive in Gaza province. "(Ezzedine) Al-Qassam Brigades estimates that the number of Zionist prisoners who were killed in the Gaza Strip as a result of Zionist strikes and massacres has reached almost 50," AFP reported while quoting the group’s statement on their Telegram channel.

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Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Hamas after the militant outfit on October 7 fired as many as 5,000 missiles unbridled in the former’s territory. Moreover, the militants rampaged through Israeli towns and abducted over 222 civilians.

The IDF launched overnight raids in Gaza striking their "numerous" targets. This came after Benjamin Netanyahu declared they were preparing for a ground war.

The Israel Defense Forces described the operation as a "targeted raid" that hit "numerous terrorist cells, infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch posts".

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the operation lasted a few hours, and no soldiers were hurt. The troops operated within one kilometre of the border.

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The Israel Defense Forces claimed it eliminated Hamas’ deputy head of intelligence directorate, Shadi Barud while striking targets in Gaza on Thursday. Israel said Barud planned Hamas’ October 7 attack with Yahya Sinwar. A video in this regard was also shared by the IDF. “IDF fighter jets carried out a precise air strike based on IDF and ISA intelligence and eliminated the Commander of Hamas' Northern Khan Yunis Rockets Array, Hassan Al-Abdullah,” IDF wrote in an X post.

Amid the scaling war, Palestine claimed over 7,000 people, including 3,000 children have been killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza.