Day 119: IDF continues to dismantle Hamas in Khan Younis

Over the last 24 hours, IDF ground troops, in cooperation with the Israeli Air Force (IAF) have continued to fight against Hamas infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. 

In the Hamas stronghold of western Khan Younis, the terrorist organization has embedded military compounds - including sniper positions and observation posts - amid dense, urban (civilian) areas.

During operations in Khan Younis in the past day, over 20 terrorists were killed, primarily during close-quarters combat, according to the IDF spokesman. 

During those activities, IDF soldiers conducted targeted raids on several terror targets and military compounds in Khan Younis, finding weapons stashes containing AK-47 rifles, grenades, explosive devices, military equipment and ammunition. 

In a separate activity in western Khan Younis, soldiers directed an aircraft to strike several Hamas military compounds in which terrorists were seen operating. Later, an armed terrorist cell launched several anti-tank missiles at the troops. Shortly after that, the cell was eliminated in coordination with the IAF.

In another maneuver, several armed terrorists, operating near IDF soldiers, were eliminated. The soldiers confiscated several RPG launchers, as well as other weapons from the Hamas terrorists who were killed.

IDF troops continue to operate in Gaza:

📍 Western Khan Yunis
Over 20 terrorists were eliminated over the past day by IDF troops.

Troops operated on a number of different terror targets and compounds in which AK-47 rifles, grenades, explosive devices, military equipment and…

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 2, 2024

The Commando Brigade encountered and eliminated several terror cells in close-quarter battles, as IDF forces worked to strengthen their operational control over western Khan Younis.

In recent days, the Maglan Unit raided a Hamas military compound embedded inside a mosque and found a tunnel shaft inside. Near the mosque, stockpiles of weapons and tactical radios were found. The soldiers also conducted a targeted raid on an explosives laboratory in the vicinity of the mosque.

Meanwhile, the 99th Division has been working to prevent weapons transfers from the southern Gaza Strip to Hamas elements in northern Gaza. 

IDF efforts to thwart armed terrorist cells and conduct targeted raids on terror infrastructure in central and northern Gaza have continued, with forces in the area of Shati reportedly eliminating 10 terrorists over the past 24 hours.

During the operations of the 646th Brigade combat team in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip, IDF soldiers located a compound for manufacturing rocket shells. A mix of civilian and multi-purpose machinery had allegedly been converted by Hamas for terror activity. 

The ‘Yiftah’ Brigade combat team conducted raids on safes used by Hamas for funds designated for terror activity. Soldiers found documents recording Hamas’ method of transferring funds, which were handed over to Military Intelligence. 

The 179th Brigade combat team, also operating in the central Gaza Strip, continues to locate and destroy terror tunnels, destroy Hamas structures and eliminate Hamas terrorists in armed conflict. 

On Friday morning, the IDF announced that a suspicious aerial target that had crossed from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel overnight was successfully intercepted by the IDF Aerial Defense Array.

No information was given as to which type of aerial threat was involved in the incident.