The military’s growing control of Gaza created conditions for the daring daylight hostage rescue in Nuseirat • Terrorists fired waves of RPGs at the extraction force from civilian areas.

Since seizing power in the Strip in 2007, the Islamist group has installed massive quantities of arms in civilian households.

Historical failures raise well-founded doubts about the ability of such forces to deal with terror movements.

The military is evaluating indications that the deadly fire may have been caused by secondary detonations, says IDF official.

Israeli observers differ on Egypt’s role regarding the estimated 50 tunnels linking Gaza to Sinai, but agree the situation must be managed cautiously.

The Israeli military is ramping up operations throughout the Gaza Strip.

The move limits Hamas’s smuggling efforts, and also demonstrates that Israel is not deterred by international pressure.

The army has already conducted large-scale urban warfare sweeps in Khan Yunis, Gaza City.

“Israel should stockpile the weapons and munitions it needs now so that it has what it needs if things get much worse,” US expert warns.

Iran’s attempt to knock out an F-35 base and Hezbollah’s reported attack on an Iron Dome battery reiterate the need to diversify Israeli firepower.