IDF strikes Hamas terror cell in Khan Yunis, second attack in two days since Gaza deal pause

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a strike on a Hamas terror cell in Khan Yunis on Thursday, marking the second attack of this nature in just two days since the cessation of strikes following a recent US-Hamas deal. According to IDF sources, the cell was not of the highest rank, but was preparing for and likely to carry out an operation against IDF forces.

Since the US-Hamas agreement, the IDF has refrained from targeting Hamas members implicated in the October 7 invasion and other critical Hamas leaders, but continues to eliminate operatives on the verge of an attack. This approach allows the IDF to preemptively strike terror cells to prevent potential strikes. In contrast to the West Bank, where the IDF and Shin Bet typically detain such operatives, airstrikes remain the IDF's primary method in Gaza due to operational limitations within territories controlled by Hamas.

The IDF is also authorized to shoot and kill Hamas combatants who approach the demarcation line separating the Israeli-controlled and Hamas-controlled zones of Gaza. Following the July deal, the IDF executed its first preemptive strike against a Hamas official since the agreement, targeting a Hamas terror cell commander in northern Gaza on Wednesday.

Although not near the border and not posing an immediate threat, the IDF justified the airstrike, stating the individual was planning or executing future terror attacks. No public condemnation from the US was expressed concerning the attack. The deal aimed to prompt Hamas to relinquish some weapons within two weeks, with the IDF potentially using the airstrike to remind Hamas, with the US's tacit approval, that failure to comply could result in renewed US pressure on Israel.

Additionally, the IDF may have ordered the strike in response to Hamas' planning of a significant military drill, which Israeli officials criticized for exceeding acceptable limits. Despite earlier claims that the drill did not occur, the IDF proceeded with the airstrike as a warning to Hamas about the boundaries of acceptable behavior.