IDF soldiers kill 10 Hamas terrorists during night attack in Khan Younis

In a recent ambush near Khan Younis, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers faced a surprise nighttime attack by Hamas militants. Approximately 18 terrorists managed to breach the perimeter of a small base where over 10 soldiers were sleeping, throwing eight grenades. Remarkably, only two of the grenades exploded, leading soldiers to describe their survival as a miracle. The IDF indicated that the terrorists also fired an anti-tank missile at a building near the soldiers' sleeping quarters, although this building was reportedly a decoy. As the soldiers reacted to the threat, they engaged in close combat, managing to kill ten attacking terrorists while others fled to a nearby tunnel. Air support was called in quickly, resulting in further strikes on the tunnel opening that killed additional militants. Three soldiers sustained injuries, including one seriously, during the confrontation. The incident prompted the IDF to open an investigation, indicating a potential security lapse due to the soldiers’ proximity to an active Hamas tunnel. Reports indicated that prior to the attack, some soldiers had noticed suspicious activity and alerted their superiors, who allegedly dismissed these concerns. This concerning element suggests that there may have been a failure to act on intelligence, putting the troops at risk. Following the attack, IDF commanders reassigned the soldiers to a different location due to fears of more Hamas tunnels in the area and to ensure better security measures were in place.  In another concurrent operation on the same day, the IDF's Engineering Battalion 607 performed its first operations in Gaza since being established after the October 7 attack. This battalion worked alongside Givati Brigade forces who were engaged in combat on the outskirts of Gaza City, successfully eliminating a Hamas cell and locating a weapons depot used for executing terror attacks against IDF forces. This dual operation reflects the IDF's ongoing strategy to expand its operations into deeper areas of Gaza while thwarting further terrorist activities, highlighting the persistent tension and conflict in the region.