IDF braces for Hamas kidnapping attempts in Gaza City offensive, officers say

The threat is very real, as Hamas has built tunnels along key routes and under many buildings and streets in the Strip.

Hamas is expected to attempt to kidnap IDF soldiers as troops push into Gaza City, an action the terror organization considers a strategic achievement, officers in the IDF’s Southern Command estimate.

Regular and reserve ground forces were informed of the expected tactic as they completed a series of training sessions and refresher courses ahead of the push to capture Gaza City.

The terrorist organization is planning to attempt kidnappings once the mission to capture the core of Gaza City begins and forces enter and fight in densely populated areas. Therefore, troops have been instructed to strictly follow security protocols.

IDF prepares for Hamas tactics

As part of the training, soldiers received instruction on Hamas’s military wing, its methods of operation, and key lessons learned from the fighting.

Alongside refining safety procedures, special emphasis was placed on the challenges Hamas is expected to pose to the forces, including the expected kidnapping attempts.

The threat is very real, as Hamas has built tunnels along key routes and under many buildings and streets in the Strip.

Hamas expected to increase guerrilla warfare ambushes

In addition, Hamas seeks to set up ambushes and observation posts at various points to gather combat intelligence on the Israeli forces, identify operational opportunities, and attack IDF soldiers on foot, in APCs, and in tanks.

The group employs a variety of attack methods, but its primary tools are explosives, snipers, and attempts to approach the forces while throwing grenades.

It is also possible that during IDF operations in the Gaza Strip, logistical convoys and IDF posts in the buffer and border areas will be targeted by specialized cells.

According to Southern Command officers, the IDF’s entry into the heart of Gaza City is expected to be aggressive and accompanied by heavy firepower at a scale Hamas has never seen before.

“The method decided on by the chief of staff is meant to neutralize many of the threats Hamas has spent a long time preparing,” the officers said. “At the same time, the troops must strictly follow instructions and remain alert. The IDF will display great strength in the maneuver. Once it begins, and it should be soon, it will be clear to everyone that it has started.”