Israeli troops repelled Hamas’s large-scale attack on a military position in southern Gaza, eliminating at least ten terrorist infiltrators. Around 20 terrorists emerged from nearby underground tunnels in a coordinated attempt to kill and kidnap Israeli soldiers, news reports say.
“Assessments indicate the terrorists emerged simultaneously from several adjacent shafts,” the Israel National News/Arutz Sheva reported. “According to the military, the attackers likely intended to abduct soldiers, as they were carrying stretchers during the assault. However, no kidnapping attempt was successful.”
Two IDF soldiers were reportedly killed in the sneak terror attack. “Three Kfir soldiers were wounded in the unusual incident — one seriously and two moderately,” the news website added.
The bid to capture Israeli soldiers comes as Hamas is pretending to negotiate a hostage deal with Israel in return for jailed Palestinian terrorists and a ceasefire in Gaza.
In an early morning attack, Hamas infiltrators targeted a fortified encampment held by the Israel Defense Forces’ Kfir infantry brigade. The IDF said in an initial statement that “over fifteen terrorists fired both gunfire and anti-tank missiles and attempted to infiltrate a fortified position of the 90th battalion Kfir Brigade, in the area of Khan Yunis.”
“During the incident, the troops were able to eliminate ten armed terrorists in close-quarters combat, supported by IAF airstrikes,” the IDF added. “The incident is still ongoing, and the troops continue to operate to locate and eliminate the terrorists.”
The IDF ground troops, backed by tanks and air support, are hunting for terrorists fleeing the scene after the attack. “Israeli tanks and aircraft were dispatched to strike the retreating terrorists. Air patrols and aerial searches continued in the area hours after the attack, as forces tried to locate the remaining assailants,” the Israeli news website Ynetnews reported.
This is the second recorded attempt by Hamas to kidnap Israeli soldiers in recent weeks. On July 10, 2025, Hamas terrorists murdered IDF Staff Sgt. Avraham Azulay, after they failed to abduct him and drag him into a terror tunnel. That attack also took place in the Khan Yunis area.
As part of the ongoing military operation against terrorists in Gaza, the IDF eliminated a senior commander of Hamas’s Nukhba terror force.
The slain terrorist, Muhammad Naif Abu Shamala, played a key role in the October 7 massacre. “On August 13th, 2025, in southern Khan Yunis, IDF troops eliminated the terrorist Muhammad Naif Abu Shamala, commander of a Nukhba company in Hamas’ military wing,” the IDF disclosed.
Apart from taking part in the mass killings on October 7, he had been involved in terrorist attacks ever since. “The terrorist infiltrated Israel and took part in the attempted infiltration of the Ma’aras IDF Post during the brutal October 7th massacre,” the IDF statement added. “During the war, and as part of his role in the Hamas terrorist organization, he advanced numerous terror attacks against IDF troops and the State of Israel.”
The IDF is calling up 60,000 Israeli reservists as the military operation in Gaza enters the ‘next phase.’ The mobilization comes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu-led Security Cabinet approved a plan to take over the terrorist-held Gaza City.
“As part of the preparations for the next phase of Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots’, approximately 60,000 reserve orders were issued this morning, the military said in a statement. “In addition, 20,000 reservists who have already been called up will receive a notice extending their current orders.”
“The number of reservists being called up is in addition to tens of thousands of reservists who are currently serving in the reserves,” The Times of Israel noted.
Last week, Israeli armed forces chief, Lt. General Eyal Zamir, authorized an operational plan for the capture of Gaza City. In this last major Hamas bastion, most of the remaining hostages are believed to be held.
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