The Israel Defense Forces reported that they destroyed the Hamas command center in the Shejaiya Battalion. This targeted raid killed multiple terrorists and also demolished a terror tunnel. They also mentioned that many Hamas leaders were fleeing Qatar and traveling to Turkey, a NATO member. Meanwhile, additional IDF troops initiated a raid on terror infrastructure in the city of Khan Yunis, supported by the air force and tanks. The troops used a new method involving a drone to locate and eliminate terrorist cells, and struck a weapon storage compound using the “Iron Sting” munition.
According to JNS, the Israel Defense Forces discovered that Hamas was using sacks from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) as sandbags in terror tunnels. These sacks were found located in tunnels under the Hamas-controlled Al-Azhar University in Gaza City. The tunnel has since been destroyed.
Furthermore, IDF soldiers were successful in eliminating six terrorists in Jenin. They have also recovered the bodies of three hostages from Gaza. With the terror organization declining in Gaza, Hamas leaders in Qatar have been leaving the country, with many traveling to Algeria, Lebanon, and Iran. Turkey has also seen an influx of Hamas leaders fleeing Qatar, including Saleh al-Arouri.
The situation has led to a debate regarding the nature of the Hamas group. While many see them as terrorists, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has referred to them as “mujahedeen,” claiming they are fighting to protect their lands and people. Erdogan has also hosted Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the Hamas political bureau, and congratulated him on the phone after the October 7th Hamas attack. Erdogan’s close ties with Hamas have been met with concern by some, with many labeling him as a member of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Looking at the financial side, Hamas has been reported to be wealthy, with leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh, Moussa Abu Marzouk, and Khaled Mashaal having a combined net worth of $11 billion. They have been able to fund themselves through various means, including aid groups, charitable organizations, and the smuggling of goods through tunnels. With Iran providing an estimated $250 million in funding, factors like the Biden regime’s decision to release funds for Iran give rise to concerns about further strengthening terrorist groups.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to target the Hamas leaders wherever they are. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has also mentioned that they are “living on borrowed time.” The psychological effect of these statements is to let the Hamas leadership know that Israel is coming for them.
Experts have noted that these statements are part of psychological warfare and are meant to make the Hamas leaders feel chased and fearful. The goal is to limit their movements and disrupt their activities. Although Hamas may perceive itself as a “liberation group,” to Israel, they are considered a threat and are dealt with accordingly. Based on the recent developments, Israel’s strong stance and actions depict their determination to combat terrorist groups like Hamas.
