New Hamas tactics against 'Israeli' soldiers in Gaza revealed

Hamas fighters in Gaza have “shifted to a strategy of sacrifice, showing significantly more audacity and engaging in close combat” in an attempt to capture “Israeli” soldiers, one senior official said, cited by Hebrew news outlet “Israel Hayom”. 

As the military pushes deeper into urban areas of Gaza, the “Israeli” military is concerned that Hamas’ efforts could come to a fruition.

After 21 months of war, the change in combat strategy came after the “Israeli” military changed its approach after the latest ceasefire ended in March.

Previously, it relied on short, targeted raids, but the military’s goal now is to maintain a continuous presence in Gaza and its cities, the report adds.

One recent incident happened last week, where Hamas fighters charged head-on an “Israeli” soldier operating a bulldozer in the southern city of Khan Younis, killing him at close quarters after he abandoned the machinery.

Hamas’ military wing released a video of the incident, showing the fighters standing on top of the soldiers’ lifeless body, after they took his firearms.

Another recent incident happened in north Gaza’s Beit Hanoun, where a planted IED killed at least five soldiers during night hours. Following the detonation, reports in Hebrew media said helicopters were deployed amid heavy gunfire as Hamas fighters charged the “Israeli” soldiers to possibly carry out a kidnapping.

The “Israeli” military now instructs its troops to stay vigilant, but the issue poses a risk for military commanders.

The army is now awaiting a decision from the government regarding the next phase of operations in Gaza, as the current operation, named “Gideon’s Chariots” is nearing its end.