Gaza's deadly challenge: IDF faces renewed attacks as Hamas, allies regroup
Two concerning incidents this week illustrate that terrorists in Gaza are still able to carry out offensive attacks. The attacks – in Beit Hanun, northern Gaza; and Khan Yunis, southern Gaza – are likely linked to Hamas. It's also possible they are linked to other terrorist groups that operate alongside Hamas.
The overall context is that Hamas and its terrorist allies are capable of ambushes and complex attacks.
The two attacks are also concerning because Israel has cleared both Beit Hanun and Khan Yunis in the past. Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas War, the IDF has generally refrained from entering key areas of Gaza. These include the central camps and parts of Gaza City.
This means that Hamas and other terrorist groups are able to remain in these areas, which are about 35% of Gaza. The terrorist groups can then plan attacks from these areas and re-infiltrate the other 65% of Gaza where the IDF operates.
Much of that 65% is now ruins and demolished buildings. The terrorists are able to operate in the rubble, however, and they also still have tunnels.
After the Beit Hanun attack in which five soldiers were killed, IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen Effie Defrin said: 'IDF troops are currently encircling the Beit Hanun area from all directions – both above and below ground. Beit Hanun is a fortified target that currently contains dozens more terrorists and numerous underground tunnels that must be dismantled.'
Beit Hanun is near Sderot, less than two kilometers from the border. It can be seen easily from roads in the Gaza periphery and from built-up areas of Sderot.
Over the years, Beit Hanun was a launchpad for terrorists. After 642 days of war, it is still full of terrorists. This is concerning.
The IDF is attempting to re-clear Beit Hanun, which was cleared in September and December in 2024. This time, the Kfir Brigade's 97th Battalion and elements of the Northern Gaza Brigade have been involved, under the command of the 99th Division.
After five soldiers were killed and 14 wounded in an ambush on June 7, the IDF reinforced its forces, sending the Givati Brigade's combat team, under the 162nd Division, to help. The IDF softened up Beit Hanun using the IAF.
This plodding maneuver may have let the terrorists know that the IDF was coming. The tactic of softening up the enemy dates from World War I. It's not clear why the IDF, which is supposed to be a very hi-tech military capable of rapid maneuver, still uses such an old tactic.
Explaining how the terrorist ambush happened, Defrin said: 'During the nighttime operation, the troops advanced on foot alongside tanks and additional vehicles, securing the vehicles against various threats in the area. According to the initial inquiry, the troops were hit by three explosive devices that were detonated within minutes of each other.
'After the first device exploded and the initial report was made, a rescue squad was dispatched. During the evacuation, the troops encountered gunfire directed at them, wounding several soldiers. The troops continued the evacuation while engaged in combat under fire.'
This appears to indicate that the terrorists planned this attack. They also did it in the rubble that is normal in Beit Hanun. They did it after 642 days of war, when they were supposed to be largely beaten.
While in Washington this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas would be defeated, and there won't be Hamas in Gaza when the war is over. Hamas appears to be trying to challenge this assertion, however, even as its leaders in Doha discuss a ceasefire.
Beit Hanun is now encircled. The battle not far from the border is still being fought against dozens of terrorists who are believed to be hiding in the ruins of this northern Gaza town.
There is no doubt the IDF can defeat Hamas. The question is whether the terrorists will continue to melt into the rubble and wait for targets of opportunity to continue its insurgency. This is the main challenge.
Meanwhile, in Khan Yunis, another incident took place on June 9 that was concerning. Khan Yunis was cleared by the 98th Division between December and April 2024. Nevertheless, it seems the terrorists are back.
In March and April 2024, the IDF estimated that Hamas was largely defeated in Gaza, and that 20 of its 24 battalions were dismantled. It's not clear if this assessment was correct, however, and Hamas has recruited more terrorists over the past year.
'An initial inquiry suggests that during IDF operational activity in Khan Yunis, terrorists came out of an underground tunnel and attacked IDF troops,' the IDF said. 'During the attack, the terrorists attempted to abduct a soldier who served as an engineering vehicle operator. The soldier fought the terrorists, and they shot and killed him. Security forces operating in the area opened fire toward the terrorists, hitting several of them and thwarting the abduction. The incident is under review.'
This is as concerning as the Beit Hanun ambush. It shows that the enemy is trying to carry out more complex ambushes.
Soldiers from the Golani Brigade, part of the 36th Division, are fighting in Khan Yunis. Golani and the 36th played a key role in taking the Morag Corridor in southern Gaza this past March and April.
The IDF has been engaged in operations as part of Gideon's Chariots since mid-May. In June, 20 soldiers were killed. This shows that Gaza is still a deadly challenge. In Khan Yunis, the IDF found a tunnel 500 meters long and 13 meters deep.
'Over the past week, the troops eliminated dozens of terrorists and dismantled more than 130 terrorist infrastructure sites both above and below ground, including weapon stockpiles, booby-trapped buildings, observation posts, and launch positions directed at IDF troops,' the IDF said.
Hamas and other terrorist groups, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, may be trying to go on the offensive in Gaza. They may be trying to take advantage of hopes for a ceasefire to claw back areas they lost. They may also want to show they can continue to 'resist' the IDF.
This comes as Hezbollah is still active in Lebanon, and the Houthis have increased attacks on ships. The IDF has beaten many enemies, but the enemies still continue to threaten Israel.
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