New Details on Hamas Ambush Shocks IDF: ‘A Miracle Saved Us!’
A surprise Hamas attack on an IDF outpost in Khan Yunis exposed vulnerabilities in the Kfir Brigade’s defenses, with soldiers describing the near-disaster as a "miracle" due to minimal casualties. The incident, involving an anti-tank missile and grenades from a supposedly neutralized tunnel, has raised concerns about oversight and tunnel threats.
On August 20, 2025, a surprise attack by Hamas terrorists on an IDF outpost in Khan Yunis left the Kfir Brigade reeling, exposing critical lapses in security. According to soldiers from the brigade, the assault was a "complete surprise" that narrowly avoided catastrophe, described as a "miracle" due to minimal casualties. The militants, emerging from a tunnel previously deemed neutralized by the elite Yahalom unit, fired an anti-tank missile at a structure within the IDF-controlled compound and threw eight grenades, only two of which detonated. Soldiers labelled this as a "clear miracle," noting that the building, recently used by allied forces for rest, was fortunately unoccupied during the attack. One soldier recounted to Walla, "If the building was manned, they would have killed soldiers and tried to kidnap one," pointing to an abandoned stretcher found near the site as evidence of a planned abduction.
The attack revealed troubling oversights. Soldiers reported observing suspicious activity in the Palestinian area beforehand, including figures near a tunnel shaft, but commanders dismissed concerns, insisting the shaft had been neutralized and was awaiting further Yahalom inspection. Over 15 militants emerged from this very shaft, catching the brigade off guard. The attackers also disabled an IDF observation camera, further highlighting vulnerabilities. A subsequent investigation prompted senior commanders to relocate the outpost due to fears of additional undiscovered tunnels in the area. The IDF’s official response stated, “Initial examination shows the claims presented are not known,” raising questions about accountability.
This incident follows a pattern of Hamas exploiting tunnels, as seen in prior attacks, including the October 7, 2023, massacre where 1,195 Israelis were killed. The Kfir Brigade’s quick response, aided by tank fire and air support, eliminated 10 militants, but eight escaped, underscoring ongoing challenges in securing Khan Yunis.