Hamas Releases Propaganda Video of Israeli Hostages as IDF Strikes Hamas High-Rise in Gaza City

Latest Developments

Signs of Life of Two Hostages: Hamas released a propaganda video on September 5 showing Israeli hostages Alon Ohel and Guy Gilboa-Dalal alive, after 700 days in the terrorist organization’s captivity. The family of Gilboa-Dalal approved the broadcast of a longer clip from the video by Israeli media in which he states that he is being held in Gaza City. The Hostage Families Forum meanwhile stated that it is “deeply worried” about the IDF’s impending operation to take over Gaza City, adding that such action poses “an immediate, direct threat” to the remaining hostages.
Hamas High-Rise in Gaza City Demolished: The Israeli Air Force destroyed a high-rise building in Gaza City on September 5 after issuing an evacuation notice to give civilians time to vacate the area. The IDF said that the building housed underground facilities, command and control centers, and egress routes being used by Hamas to plan ambushes against Israeli troops. The IDF asserted this week that it controls 40 percent of the city, and plans to demolish more Gaza City high-rises serving as Hamas outposts in the coming days.
Expansion of Aid Distribution Sites: The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation will reportedly expand its operations to a total of eight aid distribution sites within six weeks as the Gaza City campaign gets underway, marking an increase from the three currently active locations. Additionally, Israel has ensured that a water desalination facility in Gaza’s Deir al-Balah is supplied with sufficient power, adding another water source to the United Arab Emirates-backed water line from Egypt, as well as two other water lines from Israel connected to Bani Suheila and Birkat Said in southern Gaza. Israel will also facilitate the continued entry of aid trucks managed by international and UN-linked organizations during operations in Gaza City.

FDD Expert Response

“In an attempt to thwart Israel’s plans to take over Gaza City, Hamas deliberately filmed Israeli hostages in the territory. This tactic echoes the threats once voiced by the recently eliminated Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida, who warned that hostages would share the same risks as fighters on the front lines. The group calculates that international and domestic pressure on Israel is increasing. Over the coming weeks, the group’s propaganda arm is likely to intensify its efforts to shape the narrative of Israel’s offensive in Gaza City.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“The demolition of a prominent high-rise in Gaza City today marks the beginning of what will likely be a recurring tactical approach by the IDF. These buildings have served Hamas strategically throughout the war, primarily by offering a height advantage for snipers and anti-tank units, but also serving as rigged explosive booby traps to collapse on IDF forces. In any ground operation — including the looming maneuver to take over Gaza City — these buildings will likely function again as key outposts for surveillance and ambushes against IDF troops, and Israel is attempting to preempt that possibility.” — Aaron Goren, Research Analyst and Editor