Israel Has Struck More Than 11,000 Terror Targets in Gaza

Latest Developments

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on November 1 that it has struck more than 11,000 terror targets in Gaza since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. This includes precision targeting of tunnels used by Hamas, anti-tank launch sites, Hamas commanders, and other threats. Israel is now conducting increasing ground operations in Gaza and overrunning Hamas command centers and outposts in neighborhoods north of Gaza City. Hamas continues to exploit civilians as human shields, using a main hospital in Gaza city as a command center and hiding in a network of tunnels under civilian buildings to avoid detection, resulting in an unverified number of civilian deaths.

Expert Analysis

“Israel is succeeding to contain and defeat Hamas in Gaza. As the IDF advances, the conflict will enter a new phase. Hamas is hiding behind civilians in the densely populated areas of Gaza City while pro-Iranian terror groups in the region increase threats from Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria to derail Israel’s operations.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“Dense urban combat, like what we see unfolding in Gaza, involve high casualties. Given the hundreds of hostages still being held by terrorists, and the fact that Hamas’s equities are embedded in civilian infrastructure in Gaza, Israel has no choice but to send its troops into these dangerous combat environments.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network

Israeli Army Suffers Casualties in Gaza Battle

On November 1, the IDF said 15 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza. More than 325 Israeli soldiers have died since October 7 when Hamas launched a massive surprise attack on Israel, massacring civilians and soldiers. On October 31, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the IDF was making significant achievements in the ground operation but was “paying a heavy price.”

Fighting in Urban Areas and Regional Threats

As IDF troops press into Gaza, they are increasingly confronting Hamas in urban areas on the outskirts of Gaza City. For example, on October 31, IDF troops identified several Hamas terrorists who barricaded themselves in a multi-story building next to a school and medical center. On October 30, a senior U.S. defense official said the Pentagon sent an official to Israel to help Israeli leaders “think through difficult questions that they need to consider as they conduct their planning.” IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said on October 31 that Israel is working in coordination with U.S. Central Command.

As the IDF makes progress in Gaza, terrorist groups linked to Iran are increasing their threats against Israel and the United States. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah will give a speech on October 3 that could prefigure increased conflict on Israel’s northern border. On October 31, the IDF intercepted a missile and two drones over the Red Sea fired by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen.

Related Analysis

“Israel steps up raids, accuses Hamas of using hospital for cover,” FDD Flash Brief

“10 Things to Know About Hamas and Hospitals,” FDD Insight

“U.S. Seeks to Help Americans Leave Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief