The Shocking New Way Hamas Is Using Hostages To Stop The IDF Offensive
Hamas relocates hostages to above-ground locations in Gaza City, using them as human shields to impede IDF's ground offensive. New strategy emerges amid escalating conflict.
Twitter
Hamas has begun moving some of the hostages it holds in the Gaza Strip to above-ground locations in an apparent new strategy to impede the Israeli military’s impending ground operation in Gaza City, according to a Monday report from Kan News.
The report, citing Palestinian sources, stated that some hostages are being held in private homes while others are being kept in tents, a deliberate placement intended to complicate any Israeli offensive and increase the risk of civilian casualties. This move is part of a broader strategy described as a "legitimacy ambush," which aims to exploit civilian deaths to generate international pressure on Israel to halt its military campaign.
Hamas Obstructs Civilian Evacuations
In a related effort to use the civilian population as human shields, Hamas is actively working to prevent residents from evacuating northern Gaza. The terrorist group has employed a combination of threats, public media campaigns urging residents to stay in their homes, and acts of violence against those attempting to flee. The Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) has stated that Hamas officials have themselves attempted to flee Gaza while simultaneously instructing civilians to stay put.
Gaza City Under Intensified Israeli Pressure
The strategic changes from Hamas come as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has significantly ramped up its strikes on Gaza City in recent days. The IDF has targeted more than 500 military sites, including high-rise buildings converted into Hamas command centers and observation posts embedded in civilian neighborhoods.
Ahead of the looming ground assault, the IDF has issued evacuation orders for large sections of the city, including areas like Gaza Port and southern al-Rimal. Residents have been instructed to move southward toward designated humanitarian zones in Khan Yunis and al-Mawasi. According to UN estimates cited in Israeli reports, more than 280,000 Gazans have already evacuated from Gaza City following these warnings.
Hamas Appoints Commanders for Ground Battle
As the IDF prepares to enter the city, Hamas has appointed several senior commanders to lead the ground resistance. According to Palestinian sources, the four key figures are: