In its statement on the strikes, the IDF indicated that during the attack one of the targets a "concrete-making site" allegedly used by Hamas-affiliated individuals to build underground infrastructure.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 20, 2020
Photos shared on social media documented massive, fiery blasts within Gaza. The targeted areas included posts near Khan Younis.
— Joe Truzman (@Jtruzmah) August 20, 2020
— Shehab News Agency (@ShehabAgencyEn) August 20, 2020
Shortly after the initial blasts, the IDF released a follow-up statement indicating that the force's air defense had intercepted three rockets that had been launched from the Gaza Strip.
— TPS - Israel's News Agency (@TPS_News_co_il) August 20, 2020
The recent strikes are the latest in a series that have taken place over the last several days in the area after an Egyptian envoy failed to prevent a further escalation between Hamas and Israel.
The heightened confrontations between the two parties comes after Israel agreed last week to temporarily halt its planned annexation of parts of the West Bank as part of a deal with the United Arab Emirates to normalize diplomatic relations between the two countries.
