IDF Encircles and Dismantles Terror Cells in Gaza's Jabalya Camp

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a successful and unexpected operation in the Jabalya area of northern Gaza, trapping and dismantling terrorist forces entrenched there, the military reported Monday. The surprise encirclement led to the surrender of around 600 terrorists who had been using local residents as human shields, according to the IDF, while hundreds more were eliminated during the operation.

The IDF shared that Hamas had congregated in Jabalya, positioning themselves near civilians to prevent retaliation. After weeks of intelligence gathering, IDF forces quickly moved into the area, securing civilian evacuation routes and preventing any escape for the encircled fighters. Within hours, three IDF brigades the 460th, Givati, and 401st completely surrounded Jabalya, allowing the safe evacuation of over 5,000 residents overnight. By the following day, an additional 20,000 residents had safely exited, as the IDF continued to isolate remaining hostile forces.

The operation also led to a critical strategic gain as the IDF surrounded the Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last stronghold Hamas could use as a base in Jabalya. According to the IDF, Hamas had used the hospital as a command center, hiding among patients and attempting to blend in as hospital staff. Shayetet 13, an elite naval unit, entered the hospital and successfully detained an additional 60 terrorists who were hiding among patients, including at least one individual directly involved in the tragic attacks of October 7.

The IDF has further reported that Hamas’s operatives in Jabalya appear to be weakening under continued military pressure. An official statement from the IDF noted, “These are not the battalions and companies we saw at the beginning of the fighting a year ago. They are on the verge of breaking.” The 162nd Division, stationed in Jabalya, has continued to eliminate remaining threats, using precise tactics to neutralize terrorist infrastructure and fighters resisting evacuation orders.

This strategic operation marks a significant reduction of Hamas’s capabilities in northern Gaza, with IDF units noting that the terrorist force’s combat ability has notably diminished. Hamas has increased its reliance on explosives and guerrilla tactics, yet the IDF’s effective isolation strategy has prevented the type of swift retreats seen in past confrontations.

As the IDF continues its efforts in Jabalya, the once-volatile area is transforming, with the removal of terrorist elements offering a safer environment for Gaza’s residents. The successful isolation of terrorists within Jabalya showcases Israel’s commitment to protecting both its own citizens and the civilians in Gaza.

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