The Yellow Line scuffles between Israeli forces and Hamas continue as 15 terror operatives were seen emerging from a tunnel network close to Rafah in Gaza. Ynet reports that the IAF carried out a strike based on IDF guidance which killed six members of the group while five were arrested by troops on the ground. The remaining four terrorists are still at large.
According to an initial military review, Air Force, guided by troops on the ground and Shin Bet intelligence, killed six of the terrorists in an airstrike. Units from the Nahal Brigade’s combat team arrested five others who surrendered and transferred them to Shin Bet custody inside Israel for questioning.
Troops continued air and ground searches Friday to locate the remaining terrorists.
Yesterday, also according to Ynet, the IDF discovered a sprawling subterranean complex in the southern Rafah area that is said to stretch more than 4.5 miles and lies 80 feet underground. It also ran beneath a densely populated neighborhood, which included a UN facility, mosques, medical clinics, and schools. The tunnels connected 80 rooms which housed command centers and weapons.
The location and how the tunnels were designed is consistent with how Hamas uses civilian infrastructure both as cover and sites for terror operations. Some also appear to be still in use even when the ceasefire calls for Hamas to be disarmed. At the same time, searches for the remaining three hostages are underway in Gaza by the Red Cross.
This week has proved to be a turbulent time for the ceasefire with Yellow Line disputes, terrorists firing upon IDF soldiers, and confusion regarding the remaining hostages’ releases. As search efforts for the remaining hostages continue and the IDF dismantles the underground tunnel systems that were used to hold and torture innocent people for the past two years, our generous supporters join us in prayer for the security and safety of Israel and her people.
