Responding to reports that a ceasefire is in the works between Israel and Gaza’s Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorist organization, IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told reporters Wednesday afternoon that until there is an official, formal ceasefire, “it’s not over.”
Egypt: Palestinian Islamic Jihad Asks for Ceasefire
It would seem that PIJ agrees with Hagari: shortly after his statement, a spokesperson for the terrorist organization said, “There are efforts by the mediators to contain the escalation in Gaza, but it is too early to talk about a ceasefire.”
Hagari summarized the objectives of Operation Shield and Arrow — to eliminate three top PIJ commanders who were responsible for multiple terror attacks and rocket attacks on Israeli civilians — and restore deterrence.
IAF fighter jets and helicopters targeted over 108 rocket and mortar shells launchers and other positions of the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization across the Gaza Strip, as of 7 pm Wednesday, according to the IDF.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group launched at least 289 rockets from Gaza, but at least 56 of those landed in their own territory, in Gaza. At least 212 rockets managed to cross the border into Israeli territory.
The Iron Dome aerial defense system intercepted 59 rockets that were heading to populated areas, and the David’s Sling anti-missile system for the first time since its introduction to full service in 2018 intercepted one missile that was heading for Tel Aviv.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that as of 7 pm, 21 terrorists were killed and 64 others were injured since the start of Operation Shield and Arrow, including several civilians who were close to the targeted terrorists.
Egypt called for an “immediate ceasefire” between Israel and the PIJ, at the request of the terror group.
