This past weekend saw continued IDF action against Hamas in Gaza, with a series of airstrikes on Saturday and troops conducting counterterrorism operations beyond the Yellow Line. The Jerusalem Post reports that the IDF seized a Hamas document detailing plans to plant bombs in and around refugee camps housing displaced Gazans. The explosions were intended to create chaos and provide cover for Hamas leaders attempting to escape. The IDF also reported that three Hamas terrorists, including a cell commander, were eliminated in another part of the enclave.
The document, written in April 2024, detailed a plan that explicitly exploited the civilian population for the benefit of the terror organization’s leadership and showed intent to cause direct harm to Palestinian civilians for the sake of minor tactical advantages, like “creating smoke screens, distracting the enemy, and divert[ing] their focus and efforts away from the primary objective.”
Plans involved detonating improvised explosive devices around civilian camps as IDF troops approached in order to create panic, which terrorists would take advantage of in order to flee.
The document proposed planting bombs along routes used by Gazan civilians in order to delay the advance of IDF troops operating in the area.
Additionally, Hamas planned to fire stun grenades into camps in order to create chaos, which would facilitate the escape of Hamas operatives.
The three Hamas operatives eliminated in Saturday’s airstrikes were reportedly involved in planning attacks. One was a member of Hamas’ engineering battalion who played a key role in weapons production. Another was a cell commander who had planned and carried out attacks against IDF troops. The IDF’s Southern Command remains deployed in the area to respond to ongoing threats.
Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir also announced today that an army-wide leave freeze will take effect this Thursday, ahead of the October 27 election. Additional security forces are also being deployed to the West Bank. These measures follow a recent security assessment involving multiple fronts. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that any attacks against Israel during this time would be met with a stronger response.
As the men and women of the IDF prepare for increased responsibilities in the coming election week, The Fellowship and our supporters pray for their health, safety, and victory over those who seek to destroy Israel and its democracy.