Israeli army says launches air, ground attack in central Gaza's Bureij camp

GAZA/JERUSALEM -- Israeli fighter jets targeted Hamas positions in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, with ground forces simultaneously operating in the area based on intelligence, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on Tuesday.

In a separate statement, Adraee reported that Israeli forces conducted a "precise raid operation" in Gaza City's Sabra neighborhood last week, discovering rocket warheads hidden in bags belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The UN agency, which plays a critical role in providing humanitarian aid in Gaza, has not commented on the Israeli claims.

Adraee also announced the completion of the destruction of a 1.5-kilometer-long and 23-meter-deep underground tunnel on Monday. The tunnel, used by Hamas, bypassed areas where Israeli forces are stationed. The exact location of the tunnel was not disclosed.

On May 7, the Israeli military expanded its operations in Rafah, directing over 1.5 million Palestinians to move to Khan Younis and other central Gaza areas. The UNRWA estimates that these areas now shelter approximately 1.7 million people.

Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza in retaliation for the group's October assault on southern Israel, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and over 200 hostages taken.