Hamas Mounts New Israel Infiltration by Sea

Latest Developments

Hamas terrorists tried to penetrate an Israeli village by sea from the northern Gaza Strip on October 24, sparking a new battle with Israeli security forces. The Israeli military said it was repelling the infiltration near coastal Zikim, while residents were being ordered to shelter in place. Preliminary media reports said that between seven and 10 terrorists had been killed. It was not immediately clear if the infiltration was carried out by boat or by frogmen.

A security alert was also sounded in Netiv Haasara, an Israeli border village about a mile inland from Zikim, indicating that some of the infiltrators may have managed to reach the shore.

Expert Analysis

“Even as Israel steps ups it barrages of northern Gaza in preparation for a potential ground assault against the Hamas command centers, the Palestinian terrorist group is trying to shift the bloodshed back across the border. This is a show of both defiance and survivability by Hamas as well as a pursuit of its murderous agenda. Israel must not drop its guard against any possible reenactment of the October 7 atrocities.” — Mark Dubowitz, FDD CEO

“By refusing to surrender, Hamas leadership is perpetuating death and destruction. Israel has made clear that it will not stand down until Hamas is eliminated, and Hamas has made clear it will continue to fight this battle no matter what the cost to the civilians of Gaza.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network

“Ex-Hostage Recounts Hamas Mass-Kidnapping Tactics,” FDD Flash Brief

“From Air and Ground, Israel Edges Into Gaza Ahead of Offensive,” FDD Flash Brief

“120,000 Israelis Evacuated Amid Hamas, Hezbollah Threats to Israel,” FDD Flash Brief