‘Valuable Intelligence’: IDF Arrests 240 Terrorists in Northern Gaza Hospital

Latest Developments

• 240 Terrorists Arrested in Kamal Adwan, 15 Participated in October 7 Attacks: The IDF said on December 29 that it arrested over 240 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists who were using Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza as a base. Among those arrested were 15 individuals that took part in Hamas’s atrocities in Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel said the arrested terrorists are “expected to provide valuable intelligence” for future IDF war efforts.
• Terrorists Pose as Patients, Attempt to Flee: During the operation, which the IDF said was one of the “largest arrests of terrorists” since the war began, some terrorists hid in ambulances, disguising themselves as patients to escape, but were subsequently captured. Nearly 700 patients, caregivers, and civilians were evacuated safely from the hospital during the course of the operation.
• IDF Operations Continue in Northern Gaza: Following the IDF’s mission at Kamal Adwan hospital, Israeli forces spearheaded by the 162nd Division carried out ambushes in Jabalia between Sunday and Monday which killed “many dozens” of terror operatives. The IDF has been operating in the northern Gazan cities of Jabalia, Beit Hanoun, and Beit Lahiya — where Kamal Adwan is located — since October.

FDD Expert Response

“Hamas has been playing a double game throughout this war. Its fighters operate out of civilian infrastructure, humanitarian zones, and hospitals. When the IDF disrupts these activities — such as in the recent operation at Kamal al-Adwan Hospital — Hamas issues statements condemning Israel for targeting civilians and vehemently denies any presence of its fighters or allied factions. This tactic reflects Hamas’s savvy manipulation of the narrative, leveraging propaganda to sway public opinion.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“Hamas has systematically used Kamal Adwan and other hospitals in Gaza throughout the war since October 7, 2023, and this operation represents at least the third time that the IDF has had to clear the same hospital from terrorist infiltration. While the detention of more than 240 terrorists is a positive, Hamas must be prevented from resurging in public health facilities.” — Seth J. Frantzman, Adjunct Fellow

“Hamas’s cynical strategy of hiding behind its most vulnerable citizens is a feature, not a bug. The Iran-backed terrorist organization has repeatedly exploited hospitals for its own purposes. Instances of terrorists using hospitals as bases of operations are well documented and undeniable.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network

FDD Background and Analysis

“The IDF is in Jabalia again, but this time there is nowhere for Hamas to run,” by Enia Krivine and Aaron Goren

“Israel Apprehends Hamas Terrorists Barricaded in Northern Gaza Hospital,” FDD Flash Brief

“IDF Raid on Gaza Hospital Captures Largest Number of Terrorists Since War Began,” FDD Flash Brief

“Another Gaza Hospital Evacuated as New York Times Confirms Hamas Use of Al-Shifa,” FDD Flash Brief