Israel has increased its attacks on the Gaza Strip following Hamas’ deadly attack. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for the attack, comparing it to the Holocaust. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the offensive a “war,” which is now in its sixth day. The Israeli military has targeted Hamas’ elite ‘Nukhba force,’ which is believed to have carried out the deadly assault, according to a report by Newsweek.
The Nukhba force is an elite Hamas unit where operatives are selected by senior Hamas members to carry out ambushes, raids, and tunnel infiltrations into Israel, according to the Newsweek report. These fighters also use anti-tank missiles, rockets, and sniper rifles and provide protection for senior Hamas leaders.
Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) spokesman Jonathan Conricus stated that Hamas has built a network of underground tunnels throughout the Gaza Strip since taking control of the region in 2007. These tunnels are now being used by Hamas operatives, including the Nukhba force, to launch attacks. The IDF is targeting these tunnels and other Hamas infrastructure where senior commanders are located.
Israeli army spokesman Richard Hecht announced that the military is preparing for a potential ground invasion in its conflict with Hamas but that a decision has not yet been made. Currently, they are focused on targeting the senior Hamas leadership. Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz stated that the siege of Gaza will continue until the hostages are freed.