“IDF Intercepts Hamas Aerial Division Leader: Escalation in Gaza Conflict Looms”

“The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, October 28, to announce the successful interception of Asem Abu Rakaba, the leader of Hamas’ Aerial Division. According to the IDF, he was involved in planning the October 7 attack, led the group of militants who infiltrated Israel using paragliders, and was responsible for drone attacks on IDF installations.

Simultaneously, Hamas declared on Saturday that its militants in Gaza were prepared to respond with full force to Israeli attacks, as Israel expanded its aerial and ground operations in the Palestinian territory. The governing Palestinian militant group in Gaza reported that its fighters were engaged in clashes with Israeli forces near the Israeli border following heightened attacks by Israel.

Furthermore, a disruption in internet and phone services had been ongoing by Saturday morning. Telecom companies and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society attributed this disruption to Israeli bombardments, which had persisted for over 12 hours.”