Middle East conflict escalates with Gaza operations and Syrian incursions

Military activity has intensified across several fronts in the Middle East. In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military announced the conclusion of Division 99’s operations in northern Gaza after four months. The IDF claimed to have killed over 100 militants, destroyed eight kilometers of tunnels, and assassinated Hamas military leader Moumen Ahmed Salameh.

Simultaneously, Israel has expressed skepticism regarding U.S. and Peace Council efforts to facilitate Hamas's disarmament. While U.S. representatives prepare field visits to identify locations for weapon handovers, Israeli security officials argue that Hamas is actively rebuilding its military capabilities rather than preparing for disarmament.

On the northern border, a landmine explosion near the Lebanese border killed a 14-year-old Israeli boy and injured 24 others during a school trip. Preliminary investigations suggest the blast was caused by an unexploded Hezbollah cluster munition.

In southern Syria, Israeli forces conducted incursions into the Quneitra, Daraa, and Damascus countryside. These operations included the demolition of abandoned military barracks and the restriction of civilian construction and agricultural activities in border areas.