Further Hamas ambushes to kidnap IDF soldiers expected, IDF officials say

Contrary to claims by officers that terrorists are not operating in an organized framework in areas captured by the IDF, Hamas operatives managed to attempt an organized operation in Khan Yunis.

IDF Southern Command officials assessed on Wednesday that more attacks similar to the one in the Khan Yunis sector, which surprised troops from the Kfir Brigade, are expected.

Although the IDF claimed that Hamas no longer functions as a military force in areas captured by Israel, an organized-level terrorist attack was nevertheless carried out on Wednesday.

Military sources estimated that evening that Hamas and other terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip would attempt to launch attacks on IDF posts in the buffer zone.

Military Intelligence Directorate and Shin Bet officials determined that the leading possible course of action in the Strip during the current fighting will be attacks on forces in posts and areas where troops are stationed, until the launch of the operation to capture Gaza City. Security officials added that in recent months, attacks planned in a similar format were foiled in Gaza thanks to precise intelligence provided to the IDF.

Every active Hamas battalion or comparable terror unit operates independently under the direction of the military wing’s senior command, according to assessments from officers in the Southern Command. These terrorist formations wait inside tunnels, supported by lookouts in buildings who supply them with food and information. Just this past week, active tunnels used by Hamas were identified and destroyed.

Officials further assessed that this waiting posture of the terrorists will pose a challenge to the IDF during the operation to capture Gaza City. Therefore, they estimated that entry into the city’s core will be particularly aggressive and accompanied by heavy fire.

Exploiting a vulnerability in battle

In recent months, senior officers had argued that Hamas’s military wing no longer operates as a functioning army in captured areas. However, today Hamas exploited a vulnerability against an elite IDF force deep inside Palestinian territory in Khan Yunis, carrying out an attack at an organized level. Military officials assessed that behind the roughly 20 terrorists who took part in the battle, there were backup forces providing surveillance and intelligence on the area, alongside a command post operating nearby.

“The terrorists were equipped with combat gear that resembled the quality of October 7,” said one officer present at the scene. “The terrorists were not supposed to breach the structure where the soldiers were located. This requires an in-depth investigation.

"Hamas managed to concentrate its effort and nearly overwhelmed a unit. The proximity of the tunnel shaft from which the terrorists emerged in complete surprise raises the assessment that they intended to kidnap soldiers. The mutual support between IDF forces in the field repelled the attack.”

The incident occurred on Wednesday when Hamas operatives attacked a position manned by the Haruv Reconnaissance Unit, part of the Kfir Brigade, in Khan Yunis. The terrorists opened fire with machine guns and anti-tank missiles. A battle between IDF troops and the terrorists ensued for several minutes.

One soldier was severely wounded, and two others were lightly wounded. Ten terrorists were killed, some due to Air Force assistance. In the end, the IDF succeeded in repelling the attack.

A Southern Command military source said the terrorists who carried out the attack intended to kidnap soldiers. “Hamas has moved up a level; it is increasing its friction with the IDF,” the source said. “We are preparing for additional incidents.”