Critical Hours: Hamas Blocks Civilians as IDF Poised to Enter Gaza City
Security sources confirm terrorists are forcing residents to stay put as Israel considers a ground assault.
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Hamas’ Human Shield Tactics
According to Israeli security officials, Hamas operatives in Gaza are actively preventing civilians from evacuating Gaza City. Militants have been stationed at key exits and ordered to block residents from leaving, threatening anyone who tries to flee south.
The terror group has drawn conclusions from recent incidents, including the IDF’s strike on Khan Younis’ Nasser Hospital, which targeted operatives but also caused civilian casualties. Hamas now seeks to exploit Israel’s efforts to minimize civilian harm by embedding its fighters even deeper among the population.
Intelligence gathered by Israel indicates Hamas commanders have instructed operatives to keep civilians in place in order to complicate any potential IDF maneuver into the city. “They will use every man, woman, and child as a shield,” an Israeli defense source warned.
Egypt on Alert
Reports from Cairo confirm that the Egyptian military has notified both Israel and the U.S. of plans to significantly increase its troop presence in Zone C of the Sinai Peninsula, adjacent to Gaza. Egyptian sources said forces would be deployed “fully armed along the entire border” in anticipation of possible mass displacement should Israel launch a full-scale assault on Gaza City, home to more than half a million residents.
IDF Positions and Cabinet Debate
The IDF currently operates only on the outskirts of Gaza City, focusing on operations in Jabalia and Zeitoun with four brigades in position. Military officials stress they are ready to execute any decision by the cabinet.
Today, the Israeli cabinet is set to meet for the first time since Hamas issued a so-called “positive response” to a partial hostage deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to reject Hamas’ proposal and will instead push for an “all-inclusive” agreement that secures the release of all 50 remaining hostages.
Right-wing ministers Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Orit Strock are preparing to demand a formal written pledge that Israel will not accept any partial deal with Hamas. Senior officials, however, suggest such a demand is unlikely to pass.
Bottom Line
As Israel braces for a possible ground invasion of Gaza City, Hamas is tightening its grip on civilians, ensuring they remain human shields for the terror group’s survival. Egypt is mobilizing forces along its border, Washington is applying diplomatic pressure, and the Israeli cabinet faces a critical decision: proceed with a major assault to dismantle Hamas, or risk international fallout by hesitating.