Palestinian Resistance Launches Military Exercises in Gaza amid Israeli Threats
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Palestinian resistance factions have initiated extensive military exercises throughout the besieged Gaza Strip in response to threats from the far-right Israeli administration led by Benjamin Netanyahu to target prominent leaders of these groups.
The drills, known as "al-Rukn al-Shadid 4" (Mighty Pillar 4), commenced at 7:00 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Tuesday, spanning multiple neighborhoods within the coastal enclave and involving various units. The exercises were scheduled to conclude at 11 a.m.
During the exercise, Palestinian fighters utilized domestically produced missiles and rockets to eliminate specified targets in the sea. This event commemorates the 18th anniversary of the Israeli military's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
Gaza's Interior Ministry issued a statement confirming that field operations would be conducted as part of the drills, with simultaneous deployment of security forces. The ministry highlighted that the exercises encompassed assaults on hypothetical enemy positions, along with extensive movements of resistance units, armored vehicles, ambulances, and paramedic teams.
The Joint Operations Room of the Palestinian Resistance Factions, in a statement on Sunday, reported conducting a reconnaissance and inspection tour of military sites and surveillance points along the separation barrier between the Gaza Strip and the 1948 occupied territories. The purpose of this tour was to ensure the readiness of Palestinian resistance fighters to confront any potential military confrontation with Israeli forces in the strategically vital Gaza Strip.
The joint operations room commended the vigilance and dedication of Palestinian fighters, urging them to elevate their state of preparedness.
In December of the previous year, Palestinian resistance forces conducted Rukn al-Shadid 3 exercises in the northern Gaza Strip. These drills featured elite fighters and involved close combat situations with light and medium-range weapons.
Rukn al-Shadid drills were first initiated in 2020 and have been held annually since, involving various units to showcase their military capabilities. These maneuvers also serve as a platform for different divisions of Palestinian resistance factions to exchange experiences and enhance coordination on the field.