As humanitarian aid comes into Gaza and new distribution centers are soon to open, the IDF reports that Hamas terrorists are actively looting these aid centers as well as firing at civilians trying to access them. Reports come from the Shimshon Battalion of the Kfir Brigade, who are treating civilians that have been wounded, according to The Jerusalem Post.
“We’ve seen Hamas loot and fire at civilians who tried to approach, he (Maj. A., commander of the support company in the Shimshon Battalion) said, “We see and hear that Hamas is taking control of aid that is supposed to reach civilians. We’ve treated civilians who were wounded by Hamas gunfire.”
Maj. A. has spent the past year operating in the al-Far’a and Tubas refugee camps in the northern West Bank, as well as in Beit Hanun for three months, just before the January hostage deal.
He added that “the enemy hides among civilians, and we identify them. We are still on missions to secure our forces, and there are still terrorists in the southern part of the Strip. Like anything done over a long period, there’s sometimes a drop in tension, but my job as a commander is to make sure that tension doesn’t drop so, we can complete the mission.”
Maj. A also expressed confidence and praise for the troops involved with securing southern Gaza and other major aid distribution centers. According to him, IDF forces have the upper hand in the struggle as missions continue.
He notes that morale among soldiers is high with several of them not going home just yet even after two years fighting –they choose to stay. Maj. A. also reflects that the fighting in southern Gaza is more calculated than that in the north. This includes a focus on destroying terrorist combat infrastructure.
The effects of war and rocket attacks on Israeli civilians in the area bordering Gaza have been devastating. The Fellowship is there providing crucial support to families and victims of such attacks. Thanks to our decades of experience — and our supporters who stand for Israel through thick and thin — we’re able to at once to meet the needs of Israelis in the line of fire.