Hamas deploys teens and disabled civilians for border reconnaissance as IDF prepares for new Gaza operations

Hamas sends people with disabilities and teenagers alongside terrorists to gather intelligence about IDF troops operating in the area a military source from the Southern Command stated on Thursday.

According to the source they are sent to identify blind spots for observation in order to examine routes for infiltration attacks. Just as the IDF is preparing for a large-scale operation that will include a maneuver deep into Palestinian territory Hamas is also preparing for that day.

Southern Command chief Major General Yaniv Asor presented the General Staff with the operational plan to resume fighting in the Gaza Strip last month highlighting new challenges in light of Hamas efforts to establish its rule and rehabilitate its military wing.

Asor pressed that the main challenge was the non-stop activity of Hamas military wing aimed at engaging IDF forces along the Yellow Line and the new ways in which it is doing so.

Hamas is weak. It does not resemble what it was on October 7 by any parameter. But at the same time there are leakages in the Gaza Strip that are helping Hamas build up its strength. It is localized but it exists a senior military official explained.

'Gaza is clearly a powder keg': Engineering operations continue

In addition the official explained that the Southern Command operations to target Hamas capabilities focus first and foremost on removing threats which is why there are airstrikes in the heart of the Gaza Strip against commanders and key figures.

Concurrently engineering operations continue to locate terror infrastructure both above and below ground with an emphasis on tunnels.

We are doing everything to disrupt and thwart it. They are also constantly thinking about how to develop threats against the IDF in all kinds of ways. Gaza is clearly a powder keg the source said.