GAZA: Israel on Wednesday carried out its first air strike in more than a week in Gaza, both sides said, breaking a relative lull as the United States pressed a peace plan. The Israeli military said it targeted a Hamas commander, charging that he had been planning attacks against Israeli forces operating in the war-battered territory. “The terrorist was struck in an aerial strike in order to remove the threat to IDF troops,” a military statement said, adding that it tried to mitigate civilian harm.

Defense officials confirmed on Sunday that opportunities to strike Hamas military wing operatives had been missed over the past week because of government policy.

Israel's military says it struck a Hamas commander in northern Gaza targeted drone strike. The attack Wednesday marks the first targeted strike Israel has announced since Aug. 3.