A massive explosion in Syria’s central Hama province has killed at least seven people and injured several others.

The central province of Hama has completely fallen out of the Assad regime's control for the first time since the onset of the Syrian civil war, as its strategic importance began to garner attention, News.az reports citing Anadolu agency.

The Syrian army confirmed on Thursday that opposition forces had entered Hama city following intense clashes, leading to the redeployment of its units outside the strategic city.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have eliminated several senior Hamas commanders operating in the humanitarian area of Khan Yunis, Gaza, according to a statement from the Israeli Defense Ministry’s unit coordinating government activities in the Palestinian territories (COGAT).

Syrian government forces initiated a counteroffensive against rebels near the key city of Hama on Wednesday, following significant territorial losses, according to a war monitor.

The Syrian Armed Forces in northern Hama province successfully repelled a terrorist attempt to breach their lines, eliminating dozens of militants and halting their advance, according to a statement from the General Command, News.Az reports citing the TASS.