The Israel Defense Forces destroyed a high-rise building in Gaza that it said was being used by Hamas terrorists.
The IDF said the strike targeted Hamas infrastructure above and below the building from where it would orchestrate attacks against Israeli troops in the area.
Video of the violent blast from the Times of Israel shows the moment Israeli rockets struck the lone-standing Al-Mushtaha Tower in western Gaza City, which immediately crumbled in a massive plume of black smoke.
“Now the bolt is being removed from the gates of hell in Gaza,” Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz posted on X. “First evacuation notice is given to a high-rise terrorist building in Gaza City before an attack.”
“When the door opens, it will not close and IDF activity will increase and — until the Hamas murderers and rapists accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war, primarily the release of all hostages and disarmament — or they are destroyed,” he added.
It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties.
The IDF said prior to the strike that “steps were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians.”
Israel’s military announced Friday that in the coming days it would carry out numerous “precision strikes” on Hamas infrastructure in Gaza City, which was once home to 2 million Palestinians and the largest city in the enclave.
The IDF said it’s identified “significant Hamas terrorist activity” at certain sites, including camera and observation command centers, sniper and anti-tank firing positions, command compounds and underground tunnels.
The missile strike comes on the 700th day of the conflict in Gaza since Hamas terrorists launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
