IDF: IDF strikes Hamas Naval Police Headquarters used by military wing; terrorists exploit civilian

IDF: IDF strikes Hamas Naval Police Headquarters used by military wing; terrorists exploit civilian cover and advance warnings in order to smuggle weapons

Earlier this week (Sunday), the IDF struck the main headquarters of Hamas’ Naval Police in the Khan Yunis area. The facility was used to advance and execute attacks against IDF troops and the State of Israel. Several terrorists operating from the site were eliminated, including Ismail al-Lahham, a cell commander in Hamas’ military wing.

The Hamas Naval Police in the Gaza Strip operates alongside and under the authority of the terrorist organization’s military wing. It is involved in planning, directing, and executing terrorist activities against IDF troops and the State of Israel. The headquarters that was targeted was being used for Hamas’ efforts to rebuild and reconstitute its capabilities, in violation of the ceasefire agreement, including the restoration of the terrorist organization’s military infrastructure while exploiting facilities presented as civilian in nature.

In addition, during the past week, the IDF struck and dismantled three Hamas weapons storage facilities in the southern Gaza Strip that were intended for use in attacks against IDF troops operating in the area.

Prior to the strike on the facilities, and following advance warnings issued to the local population, the IDF identified several Hamas military wing operatives attempting to remove the weapons stored inside the facilities using vehicles. Following the identification, the IDF struck both the terrorists and the weapons. Following the strikes, secondary explosions were observed, confirming the presence of weapons inside the targeted facilities.

Prior to the strikes, steps were taken to mitigate harm to civilians, including the issuing of advance warnings to the population, the use of precise munitions, and aerial surveillance.