IDF denies Hamas' claim of kidnapping Israeli soldiers in Jabaliya

Hamas' military wing spokesperson, Abu Obeida, claimed the terror group had captured Israeli soldiers during the fighting in Jabaliya in the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday.

Israel Defense Forces denied the claim.

In an audio recording, Obeida stated that Hamas members attacked IDF soldiers at the opening of a tunnel in the Jabaliya refugee camp.

“Our fighters lured a Zionist force into an ambush inside a tunnel,” Obeida says in the recording. “The fighters withdrew after they left all members of the force dead, wounded and captured.” 

Hamas released a video showing a wounded figure being dragged on the floor inside a tunnel. The video also displayed images of guns, vests, and helmets.

IDF Spokesman Brig-Gen. Daniel Hagari posted a response to 𝕏, denying the claim. 

הבהרה: אין אירוע של חטיפת חייל.

— דובר צה״ל דניאל הגרי - Daniel Hagari (@IDFSpokesperson) May 25, 2024

"There is no incident of a soldier being captured,” Hagari wrote. 

The IDF announced it is investigating the claims and the footage shown in the video. Military analysts noted that the weapons displayed in the photos are not the types commonly used by IDF soldiers.

The operation has focused on targeting Hamas cells that have regrouped in the area following the extended pause in fighting earlier this year, when Israel withdrew most reserve fighters and shifted its attention to Khan Younis.

While the fighting has become more focused, the IDF describes it as intense. The military claims to have killed over 100 Hamas fighters in Jabaliya since the beginning of the month and reports reaching areas of the city that had previously been inaccessible.

In addition, IDF troops have recovered the bodies of seven slain hostages from tunnels in Jabaliya. 

Much of the change in tactics in Jabaliya and other areas of Gaza is believed to be due to cooperation between the IDF and Shin Bet (Israeli Security Agency), which has contributed both to the actionable intelligence and sometimes even accompanied IDF units to strategic points, according to a report from Israel's N12 news site.

The N12 report stated that the recent targeting of the Hamas war room in the UNRWA school compound, which resulted in the deaths of 11 terrorists, was the result of coordinated efforts between the IDF and Shin Bet.

Shin Bet also helped to target several of the Hamas intelligence operatives and commanders, who have since been eliminated in recent weeks. 

The new strategy is believed to be part of Israel’s attempt to minimize civilian casualties while attempting to eliminate Hamas leadership and locate the remaining Israeli hostages.