This approach prevented his assassination until he was struck in his vehicle alongside three bodyguards on December 13, following multiple failed elimination attempts. One such effort unfolded in summer 2024, when the Israeli Air Force targeted a structure in the Shati camp – an area housing both a mosque and a school.

Saad handled diverse responsibilities within Hamas, spanning the organization's "civilian" infrastructure. Over three decades, he occupied a succession of critical positions directly linked to the October 7 massacre: operations chief, founder of the Nukhba (Hamas's elite commando force), naval force architect, and weapons production director. Throughout the war, he oversaw explosive manufacturing that claimed numerous IDF soldiers' lives. During the ceasefire, he orchestrated the restoration of the organization's strength.

"Generational transition"

Following his elimination, Israel Hayom has learned that Hamas is experiencing an accelerated "generational transition" due to dozens of senior operatives killed across two years. Today, scarce veteran figures populate the leadership, including "military wing head" Izz al-Din al-Haddad and intelligence director Mohammed Awda. They too face mounting responsibility portfolios. According to Asharq Al-Awsat, Awda was appointed commander of the northern Gaza Strip brigade. Al-Haddad himself managed the hostages dossier.

Consequently, the terrorist organization increasingly depends on junior terrorist commanders possessing minimal experience, restricted authority, and diminished capabilities. This dynamic threatens decision-making capacity and strategic planning.

Hamas has enlisted thousands of fresh terrorists throughout the conflict. Nevertheless, these recruits have only basic training, lacking experience and authority, and have marginal capabilities.

Yet alongside them, a hardened nucleus of veteran, proficient terrorists has endured. Therefore, Hamas sustains operations via emergency committees and apparatuses controlling the economy, transit, and education, while attempting to terrorize the population through executions and public prosecutions. Simultaneously, certain local clans demonstrate resistance.

Regarding the Palestinian population, Hamas' core supporter base has remained steadfast. Conversely, support for Hamas has declined according to multiple surveys. Furthermore, numerous Gazans exhibit passivity amid Gaza's humanitarian conditions, particularly during winter storms. Gaza has reported that at least 16 Palestinians have perished from weather-related damage thus far, including building wall collapses.

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The Israel Defense Forces is facing criticism for deploying staff members from various rear units, many lacking combat experience, to guard Hamas' elite Nukhba terrorists in military prisons. This situation has emerged as the Israel Prison Service struggles to manage the influx of security prisoners since the Oct. 7 onslaught.

Sources familiar with the matter describe the arrangement as "nothing short of scandalous," raising concerns about the personnel's ability to handle extreme scenarios. The guards, including computer officers, programmers, and logistics personnel, often don't know each other and have limited knowledge of combat or defense missions.

The development follows earlier controversies involving the recruitment of female reservists and young female soldiers in regular service for the same task. While the IPS is principally responsible for detaining security prisoners, the surge in detainees – approximately 4,500 from the Gaza Strip alone – has overwhelmed the system, necessitating IDF involvement.

The IDF's manpower shortage, exacerbated by ongoing combat and training commitments, has led to this unconventional staffing solution. Guards are reportedly deployed for one-week rotations, with minimal time for orientation and task comprehension.

A senior source emphasized the risks," These ad-hoc groups are expected to perform tasks normally assigned to cohesive, trained military units. The concern is that they may not be prepared to effectively respond to potential security threats or breaches."

In response to concerns about detention conditions, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi have appointed Maj. Gen. (res.) Ilan Schiff to head an advisory committee examining the detention of war detainees in IDF facilities.

The IDF Spokesperson Unit said in a statement, "The national responsibility for imprisoning security detainees after interrogation is in the hands of the Israel Prison Service. In light of the large number of enemy detainees and shortage of detention places in the IPS, organization and force-building processes were carried out in order to support the operational need of the State of Israel. All IDF headquarters are required to staff various security missions, and the IDF assigns to missions only those who are found to be in appropriate fitness, and this is after preparation for the mission. The treatment of prisoners is done under strict security and procedures and by regular and reserve officials who have undergone appropriate training."

The post How guarding Nukhba terrorists has become a scandal appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

The IDF destroyed in an overnight strike in the Gaza Strip Thursday an UNRWA school that was used as a hideout by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists. 

According to intelligence gathered, the building – located in the Nuseirat refugee camp – was used by Nukhba terrorists who perpetrated atrocities on Oct. 7. 

Eliminated: several Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists who embedded themselves inside of an @UNRWA school.

IAF fighter jets conducted a precise strike on a Hamas compound embedded inside the school in the area of Nuseirat. These terrorists belonged to the Nukhba Forces and… pic.twitter.com/2AX28twfVs

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 6, 2024

"A short while ago, fighter jets… conducted a precise strike on a Hamas compound embedded inside a UNRWA school in the area of Nuseirat," the IDF said in a statement, adding that the terrorists "directed terror attacks from the area of the school while exploiting it as a civilian location and as shelter." 

Several terrorists were eliminated in the strike. 

"The strike eliminated terrorists who had planned to carry out terror attacks and advance imminent terror schemes against our forces," the military statement said, adding that "many steps were taken before the strike to minimize the risk of harm to uninvolved people," including analyzing aerial footage and using precise intelligence.

UNRWA has faced harsh criticism, and several countries have withdrawn funding from the agency after revelations that some of the terrorists who participated in the deadly onslaught were employees of the agency, and its infrastructure in Gaza was used for terrorist purposes.

The post IDF destroys UNRWA school revealed to be terrorist hideout appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.