Israeli Forces Raid Residences of Hamas Commanders, Capture Terrorists

Latest Developments

Israeli soldiers raided the homes of Hamas commanders and captured terrorist operatives in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on March 1. Over the past few months, the IDF has uncovered extensive Hamas terror infrastructure in the city and found evidence that hostages were kept there. The IDF’s 7th Brigade is now entering areas of Khan Younis where Israeli troops have not yet operated. Khan Younis is the hometown of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

Expert Analysis

“The IDF continues to operate against Hamas terrorists in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. These operations are important because Hamas leaders used the city to build extensive terrorist infrastructure underneath civilian areas. Also, hostages taken by Hamas during its October 7 attack on Israel were transported to Khan Younis. It is essential that the terrorists be defeated in the city and be prevented from threatening Israel in the future.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“Khan Younis, a key hub belonging to Hamas and Islamic Jihad, is gradually being seized by the Israeli military. This is a remarkable achievement considering the challenging urban warfare the IDF faced in Khan Younis in 2014. However, in order to effectively remove Hamas from power in the Gaza Strip, terrorist groups must also be eradicated from other key strongholds, like Rafah.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

‘Close-Quarters Combat’ Against Terrorists

The IDF noted on March 1 that its units in Khan Younis continue to fight in “the heart of the residential neighborhoods” where terrorists are hiding. “The troops encountered dozens of terrorists and eliminated them with tank shelling, in close-quarters combat, and by directing airstrikes,” the IDF said. While operating in these areas, the IDF forces entered the homes of Hamas officials and uncovered weapons. They also detained dozens of suspected terrorists hiding in a school. “During their interrogation, the terrorists provided intelligence information that went directly to the forces operating in Khan Younis,” the IDF added. Additionally, Israel’s KAN media reported on February 29 that the IDF had captured a Hamas member responsible for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s security several months ago.

Related Analysis

“IDF Uncovers 10-km Tunnel in Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

“Stampede, Gunfire Near Gaza Aid Trucks,” FDD Flash Brief

“Weapons and Tunnel at Gaza’s Al-Azhar University Uncovered by IDF,” FDD Flash Brief