IDF Warns: Hamas Aims to Capture Soldiers Ahead of Gaza City Ground Offensive
As the IDF readies for an aggressive and large-scale ground operation in Gaza City, military officials are instructing troops that Hamas will make a strategic effort to capture soldiers, a threat they view as a key objective.
The Israel Defense Forces are preparing for an extensive and aggressive ground manoeuvre in Gaza City, with military officials warning that Hamas is expected to increase its efforts to capture soldiers during the operation. According to officers from the Southern Command, Hamas views the abduction of soldiers as a "strategic achievement" and will prioritize such efforts during the IDF’s entry into the densely populated urban areas.
Regular and reserve forces have completed a series of intensive training sessions and refresher courses in preparation for the mission to take control of the city's core. As part of these drills, troops received lessons on enemy awareness, including information on Hamas's military wing, its modes of operation, and key lessons from previous fighting. A central focus was placed on safety protocols and the challenges that Hamas will pose, with a particular emphasis on the heightened risk of soldier kidnappings.
According to sources within the Southern Command, Hamas has prepared for this phase of the operation by building a network of tunnels along and beneath many of the city’s roads and buildings. The terror group plans to use these positions for ambushes and observation points to gather intelligence, identify operational opportunities, and attack soldiers on foot, in armoured personnel carriers, and in tanks. The main tools in their arsenal are expected to be explosive devices, snipers, and grenades thrown at close range as they attempt to get close to the forces.
IDF officers state that the upcoming entry into Gaza City is expected to be forceful, accompanied by "heavy fire and a mass that Hamas has not seen before." An officer said that the chief of staff’s chosen method is "supposed to nullify many of the threats that Hamas has worked on for a long time." The officer added that the forces must remain vigilant and follow all instructions, concluding, "The IDF will show great power in the manoeuvre. The moment it begins, and it should be soon, it will be clear to everyone that it has begun."