Israel-Gaza Conflict Escalates with Targeted Strikes and Retaliatory Rockets

An Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip killed Ahmad Abu Deka, the deputy commander of Islamic Jihad’s rocket forces, dealing another blow to the group in the latest round of hostilities and further dampening hopes for a ceasefire. The IDF said Abu Deka “had a significant role in commanding and carrying out the rocket barrages toward Israel” over the past day. The Hamas-run health ministry in the Gaza Strip said that in addition to Abu Deka, another four were wounded in the Israeli airstrike.