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🇮🇱 Israel /Conflict & Security

Hamas uses teens, disabled civilians for border recon, IDF prepares for Gaza ops

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Hamas is reportedly using individuals with disabilities and teenagers to gather intelligence on IDF troop movements and vulnerabilities in Gaza.
  • This tactic is employed as the IDF prepares for potential large-scale operations within Palestinian territory.
  • A senior military official described Gaza as a "powder keg" due to ongoing Hamas efforts to rebuild its military capabilities.

Hamas is reportedly employing vulnerable individuals, including those with disabilities and teenagers, to conduct reconnaissance missions against Israeli forces in Gaza. A military source from the Southern Command stated that these individuals are sent to identify observation blind spots and potential routes for infiltration attacks.

Hamas sends people with disabilities and teenagers alongside terrorists to gather intelligence about IDF troops operating in the area, a military source from the Southern Command stated on Thursday.

— Military source, Southern CommandRevealing Hamas's alleged use of vulnerable individuals for reconnaissance.

This intelligence gathering occurs as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) finalize operational plans for a potential large-scale maneuver deep into Palestinian territory. Southern Command chief Major General Yaniv Asor has presented the General Staff with plans to resume fighting in Gaza, acknowledging new challenges posed by Hamas's efforts to re-establish its rule and military wing.

identify blind spots for observation in order to examine routes for infiltration attacks. Just as the IDF is preparing for a large-scale operation that will include a maneuver deep into Palestinian territory, Hamas is also preparing for that day.

— Military source, Southern CommandExplaining the purpose of Hamas's reconnaissance missions.

A senior military official noted that while Hamas is significantly weaker than before October 7, leakages within Gaza are enabling it to rebuild strength. "Gaza is clearly a powder keg," the source warned, highlighting the continuous development of threats against the IDF.

Hamas is weak. It does not resemble what it was on October 7 by any parameter. But at the same time, there are leakages in the Gaza Strip that are helping Hamas build up its strength. It is localized, but it exists.

— Senior military officialAssessing Hamas's current capabilities and ongoing rebuilding efforts.

IDF operations focus on neutralizing Hamas capabilities through airstrikes targeting commanders and infrastructure, including tunnels. Engineering units are actively working to locate and dismantle terror infrastructure both above and below ground. The military aims to disrupt and thwart Hamas's ongoing efforts to develop new threats against Israeli forces.

Gaza is clearly a powder keg.

— SourceDescribing the volatile situation in Gaza due to Hamas's activities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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