The IDF and IAF conducted a precise strike on Hamas terrorists located in Gaza City, Israel's military said on Wednesday evening. It added that the terrorists it struck exploited the area they were in to execute an "explosive drone attack against IDF troops in an imminent time frame.

Three Israeli soldiers were killed in northern Gaza, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said on December 23. The soldiers were taking part in a raid against terrorists in Beit Hanoun when they were killed by an improvised explosive device.

The actions of the Israeli military had a "circumstantial influence" on a decision by Hamas militants to kill six hostages in Gaza in August, according to a military investigation published on Tuesday.

Israel and Hamas on Wednesday accused each other of obstructing negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, after Israel withdrew its negotiators from the talks the previous day. Israeli media reported on Wednesday that the refusal by the Palestinian Islamist militia Hamas to hand over a list of the names of the hostages it still holds is hindering progress in the negotiations.

Consistent eliminations have damaged the morale of Hamas operatives and disrupted the command-and-control capabilities of the terror group.