What happened

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the elimination of a Hamas terror cell following an engagement in the Gaza City neighborhood of Shejaia. During a subsequent search, they discovered a tunnel shaft situated within a classroom, which they assert underscores Hamas’ pattern of military utilization of civilian spaces.

Why it matters

The discovery of the tunnel in a school area is significant as it adds to a growing body of evidence that Hamas continues to use civilian structures for military purposes. This practice poses significant risks to civilians, especially children, and is a breach of international law concerning the conduct of armed groups in conflict zones.

Details of the encounter

The IDF’s 74th Battalion and members of the elite-counter terrorism unit LOTAR engaged in close-quarters combat with the Hamas operatives. Despite Hamas’s attempt to lure IDF personnel into an ambush, the Israeli forces successfully neutralized the threat.

The significance of the IDF’s operation

Israel’s military emphasized that the operation and subsequent discoveries in Gaza highlight the ongoing issue of Hamas’s military entrenchment within civilian areas. The IDF’s report suggests that this latest incident is part of a consistent and troubling pattern.

Response and tactics

In response to these threats, a specialized squad from the LOTAR unit, including snipers and soldiers trained in demolitions and breaching, has been collaborating with the 188th Brigade within the Gaza Strip.

Background

Evidence of terrorist activities within educational facilities in Gaza has been reported by Israel multiple times. The IDF’s findings reinforce concerns about the safety of civilian areas and the exploitation of such locations for terror-related activities.

This story was first published on jpost.com.