Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, May 9

In the central Gaza Strip, IDF and ISA forces, led by the 99th Division, began an operation last night in the Zeitoun area. The forces operated in the area following dozens of air strikes on terror targets. The forces are working to dismantle Hamas, preserve and deepen the military achievements, and thwart Hamas' attempts at rehabilitation in the Zeitoun area.
Yesterday, in the northern Gaza Strip, we eliminated the terrorist Ahmed Ali, the Commander of Hamas’ Naval Unit in Gaza City. He led a series of terror attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops during the war. In Shejaiya, IAF fighter jets eliminated a commander from the Nukhba Forces who led ambushes and terror operations against IDF troops operating in the Gaza Strip.
In the southern Gaza Strip, in the eastern Rafah area, forces of the 162nd Division are continuing to operate against terror targets and the smuggling of weapons in the area of eastern Rafah. This activity supports the intelligence we had — Hamas used the area of the Rafah Crossing for terrorism. We found several terrorist tunnel shafts in the area, which we are currently investigating and scanning, and so far, our forces have eliminated approximately 50 terrorists in this area during encounters and air strikes, and also during scans in the area. Currently, the divisional forces are continuing to operate against terror targets in the area.

On the northern border, in recent hours, alerts were activated regarding the infiltration of two UAVs. They were intercepted over Lebanese territory. We activate the alerts to allow enough time for residents to reach protected spaces even when we intercept the aircraft over Lebanon. We do this to protect the security of the residents, which is our primary mission.

In recent days, we have eliminated nine Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon and struck approximately 115 Hezbollah targets in the area of southern Lebanon this week. Yesterday, we struck more than 20 Hezbollah targets in the Ramyeh area in southern Lebanon. These strikes are part of the effort to damage the Hezbollah terror organization and push it away from the contact line. Hezbollah responds with fire, and unfortunately, there are also casualties and injuries. This week, Staff Sergeant Haim Sabach, Master Sergeant (res.) Dan Kamkagi, and Master Sergeant (res.) Nahman Natan Hertz, fell in action, may their memory be a blessing. Soldiers in the 551st Brigade, we embrace their families and accompany them.

This evening, we also remember our supreme mission and our obligation to the hostages still held in Gaza. We continue and will continue to do everything to create the conditions for the return of the hostages and our dear ones home as quickly as possible.