In a press briefing yesterday afternoon, I presented new information on a key Hamas stronghold secured by the IDF in Gaza City.
The al-Shati area was used by Hamas for various aspects of its military activity. Senior Hamas commanders operated out of al-Shati, using it as a base to launch attacks – including the October 7th massacre – against Israel and IDF troops.
Our ground operations have been focused on dismantling Hamas’ capabilities in the area.
In this new video, IDF Battalion Commander LTC Dotan gives you an inside look into what exactly we found in al-Shati after the IDF took control of the area:
Hamas continues to exploit civilian infrastructure as a terrorist hub.
Al-Shati is one of many areas where schools and civilian buildings are used to launch rockets, store weapons and carry out attacks against the IDF. pic.twitter.com/ORWCMNNS2V
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 5, 2023
It may be surprising to some that we found so many deadly weapons inside homes and schools. Sadly, however, this is just one example of a strategy deployed by Hamas throughout the Gaza Strip.
This is the reality of fighting against a terrorist organization with no value for human life or dignity.
For the IDF, our values, morals and principles guide us every step of the way on the battlefield.
Our military strength and moral fiber will ultimately carry us to victory over Hamas and all that it stands for.
Eye from the Sky
I want to give you an insight into one of the units providing crucial intel for our troops on the ground in Gaza.
Meet the Sky Rider Unit.
The men and women of the unit – which is part of the IDF Artillery Corps – operate UAVs, including the “Skylark” drone, to provide VISINT (visual intelligence) for troops on the ground.
This cutting-edge UAV technology is used to guide soldiers toward terror targets in real-time.
The unit also has an important role in mitigating harm to civilians. CPT (res.) T. recalls one such incident:
“Near the point where we spotted a rocket launcher, we saw a van with people getting out of it with equipment. We already had a ZIK UAV ready to go, we were prepared for any scenario, but thanks to the thorough examination we did in the field, we realized this was a civilian family and immediately halted the activity.”
The unit faces many operational challenges in our war against Hamas, but continues to adapt and excel on the battlefield.
Proud of them all.
Operational Updates:
Gaza
- On Tuesday, IDF activity focused on the Jabalya, Shuja’iyya and Khan Yunis areas. IDF troops continued to operate in Hamas strongholds, which included striking terror cells, destroying terrorist infrastructure, securing key military posts, and locating weapons in civilian compounds.
North
- Several launches were identified crossing from Lebanon into northern Israel over the course of the day. Following these launches, fighter jets struck a number of Hezbollah terror targets, including terrorist infrastructure and military posts used for weapons storage and by terrorist operatives.
