Dozens of terrorists trying to escape Jabalia in northern Gaza on Sunday night were killed by Israeli forces, according to the Israel Defense Forces. Some 100 operatives were slain within two hours.
The IDF released footage showing terrorists trying to escape before being neutralized by units from the 162nd Division, including the 401st Brigade, Givati Brigade and the Multidimensional Unit, supported by strikes from the Air Force.
צוות הקרב של חטיבה 401, גבעתי והיחידה הרב מימדית, בפיקוד אוגדה 162 פעלו הלילה במרחב ג׳באליה >> pic.twitter.com/9Skova25VH
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) December 30, 2024
According to the IDF, many terrorist squads were shot in ambushes after being observed fleeing while armed. Intelligence had indicated plans to exploit the stormy weather for an escape attempt, prompting the operation.
This action followed a targeted operation over the weekend against a Hamas command center located inside Kamal Adwan Hospital. During that operation, more than 240 terrorists were apprehended, and approximately 20 were killed.
Six Hamas Oct. 7 attackers slain in recent IDF ops
Israeli forces killed 14 Hamas terrorists during recent operations in Jabalia and Beit Lahia in the Gaza Strip, including six who participated in the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre, the IDF and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) said on Sunday.
On Nov. 27, troops from the 162nd Division’s Givati Brigade raided a terrorist gathering point in the Jabalia area, killing Mohammed Abd al-Hamid Salah, who infiltrated Israel during the Oct. 7 invasion. At least two other Hamas commanders were also killed.
⭕️6 Hamas terrorists that participated in the October 7 massacre were eliminated in joint IDF and ISA operations in Jabaliya and Beit Lahia in Gaza.
14 terrorists were located and eliminated—6 of them directly infiltrated Israeli territory on October 7—including:
– Mohammed… pic.twitter.com/10LqsItIwl
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 29, 2024
On Nov. 26, also in the Jabalia area, a strike carried out by the Givati Brigade’s Fire Control Center killed Hamas terrorists Rasem Judeh, a company commander in the area; Zaher Abd Rabbo Mohammed Shahab; and Ali Magad Ali Ramadan, who participated in the Oct. 7 massacre. Two additional Hamas commanders were also eliminated.
Additionally, a month ago, Hamas terrorist Mohammed Hamouda, who took part in the Oct. 7 attack, was eliminated by the Fire Control Center of the Kfir Brigade. Alongside him, five additional Hamas terrorists were killed.
“The IDF and Shin Bet will continue to operate against every terrorist who participated in the brutal October 7 massacre,” the joint statement concluded.
Combat officer wounded in Gaza
The IDF said on Monday morning that a combat officer in the Givati Brigade’s Tzabar Battalion was severely wounded during combat in northern Gaza on Sunday.
He was evacuated to the hospital and his family was notified.
IDF chief approves more troops for Gaza
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi recently approved the mobilization of additional troops to the Gaza Strip in a bid to increase pressure on Hamas to agree to a hostage deal.
The Lebanon truce and the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria have enabled Israel to refocus its military effort on the Hamas-ruled territory in the south, Israel’s Channel 12 reported on Monday.
The IDF chief is expected to hold meetings this week in which military plans for the Gaza Strip will be put forward for his approval.
Israeli intelligence agencies have detected signs that recent military operations in Gaza have been successful in adding pressure on Hamas, with the Islamic terrorist organization lamenting the loss of territory and some of its ruling power over the population, Channel 12 reported.
The Israeli defense establishment is preparing to take advantage of this and expand the military activities against Hamas, the report added.
The IDF holds approximately 30% of the territory in the Gaza Strip. This includes areas in northern Gaza, the Netzarim Corridor in the center and the Rafah Corridor on the Sinai border.
With reporting by JNS.
