IDF Strikes 250 Terror Targets in Gaza

Latest Developments

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck 250 Hamas terror targets during an overnight operation, the IDF said in a statement on November 21. “Among the targets struck were dozens of terrorists, rocket launchers, and terrorist infrastructure,” the IDF said. Israeli fighter jets targeted a rocket launch post placed by Hamas near a civilian area. IDF troops also found weapons in the residence of a Hamas terrorist and anti-tank missiles hidden under a baby’s crib.

Expert Analysis

“The IDF continues to surround Hamas in Gaza City and uncover the extent of Hamas terrorist infrastructure in areas of Gaza the IDF has liberated from the terrorist group. Hamas riddled Gaza with rocket launchers and weapons, often hiding them in civilian areas or in homes of innocent Gazans. The discoveries illustrate why Hamas must be defeated in Gaza.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“As the IDF continues to advance, it will uncover terror infrastructure within the Gaza Strip along with the extent of Iran’s contribution in providing weapons and military know-how to Hamas and other Palestinian groups.” — Joe Truzman, Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Three Terror Tunnels Destroyed in Jabalya

Israeli forces operating in Jabalya, a neighborhood next to Gaza City, destroyed three tunnel shafts on November 20. The battle in Jabalya brings the IDF closer to defeating Hamas in the center of Gaza City. The IDF cut off northern Gaza from southern Gaza in early November, surrounding Hamas forces in Gaza City.

In the last week, the IDF took over more neighborhoods in Gaza. “During the operation, troops killed dozens of terrorists with air support, captured enemy weapons in various locations, including private houses and children’s bedrooms, and located and destroyed tunnel shafts,” the IDF said on November 21.

Hamas Battalions Defeated

Some 10 Hamas battalions in northern Gaza have been “significantly” degraded in IDF operations, the IDF said on November 20. Hamas has an estimated 24 battalions of terrorist fighters in Gaza. Several of these Hamas units have suffered heavy losses. The IDF eliminated 200 terrorists in one Hamas battalion located in the Shati neighborhood, according to IDF estimates on November 13.

Related Analysis

“Hamas Took Hostages to Al-Shifa Hospital,” FDD Flash Brief

“Two Gaza Terrorists Nabbed in Israel, One Month After October 7 Attack,” FDD Flash Brief

“Residents of Hamas Stronghold In Southern Gaza Urged to Evacuate,” FDD Flash Brief