Israel’s elite special operations force, Sayeret Matkal, is preparing for dangerous hostage-rescue missions in the Gaza Strip, according to a report by British daily The Telegraph. Over 100 Israeli hostages were taken by Hamas after a terror attack that involved land, air, and sea operations. The hostages are currently being held at Hamas hideouts across the densely populated Gaza Strip.
Sayeret Matkal, also known as the General Staff Reconnaissance Unit, is a field intelligence-gathering unit that specializes in deep reconnaissance behind enemy lines. It is also responsible for counter-terrorism and hostage rescue outside of Israel’s borders, as stated on the official website of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). The unit draws inspiration from the UK’s Special Air Service (SAS), renowned for its daring operations during the first Gulf War and the Iranian embassy hostage crisis in 1980.
Hamas has threatened to harm the Israeli hostages if Israel does not cease its airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. This puts immense pressure on Israeli leaders, as the families of the hostages anxiously await their safe return. The operations of Sayeret Matkal have largely remained undisclosed, contributing to the unit’s reputation for extreme secrecy.
Established in 1957 under the leadership of Avraham Arnan, Sayeret Matkal played a key role in the Yom Kippur War in Sinai and Hermon. During the First Lebanon War, the unit’s commander, Shay Avital, insisted on operating as an infantry unit in all aspects, according to the IDF. In the Second Lebanon War, the unit conducted daring raids deep inside Lebanon.
Israel has implemented a “complete siege” on the Gaza Strip, intensifying airstrikes on Hamas targets. Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz announced the decision to cut off the supply of water, electricity, and fuel to Gaza, resulting in the collapse of the local power plant and a complete blackout. Israel intends to maintain this siege until the threat posed by Hamas is eliminated.
Israel is currently facing a devastating onslaught by Hamas, which has claimed the lives of over 1,200 people in Israel. In response, Israel has launched a massive air assault on the Gaza Strip, leading to the death of at least 1,055 people in the Hamas-controlled territory.
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