TEL AVIV, January 4. /TASS/. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has eliminated several units of Palestinian radicals armed with anti-tank missiles in the Gaza Strip, the army press service said in a statement.

"The IDF thwarted Hamas anti-tank missile terrorist cells throughout the Gaza Strip. In the city of Khan Yunis, three terrorists attempted to plant an explosive device next to IDF troops. In response, an IAF aircraft directed by the troops targeted and killed the terrorists. Furthermore, the troops eliminated two additional terrorists who were hiding in a nearby building and a fighter jet struck a Hamas weapons storage facility," the statement said.

The IDF added that during combat in Khan Yunis, an anti-tank missile was fired at IDF troops. Later, an IAF aircraft struck the launch position used to fire the missile and a group of militants stationed there.

Another air strike was delivered on a Hamas military facility used, according to the IDF, by Hamas anti-tank formations, as well as on two other structures with militants and weapons.

Additionally, in the vicinity of the Bureij refugee camp, Israeli troops discovered long-range rocket launchers, according to the press service. "IDF naval troops continue to operate along the Gazan coastline in order to assist the ground troops operating there. Additionally, during joint air, naval, and ground activity, IDF naval troops identified and eliminated terrorists who were ambushing the ground troops," the statement said.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7 when militants from the Gaza-based Palestinian radical group Hamas staged a surprise incursion into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip. Hamas described its attack as a response to the aggressive actions of Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. In response, Israel has declared a state of war readiness; announced a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians; and began delivering air strikes on the enclave and certain parts of Lebanon and Syria. Clashes are underway in the West Bank as well.