Two Hamas terrorists surrendering to Israeli forces in Rafah during an operation in the Shaboura neighborhood several weeks ago, in an image published on May 6, 2025. Credit: IDF. IDF
Two Hamas terrorists surrendering to Israeli forces in Rafah

Hamas Terrorists Surrender to Israeli Forces in Rafah

Related:

WhatsApp
Email

Troops from the IDF’s 188th Brigade arrested a Hamas terror commander who participated in the Oct. 7 massacre.

By Joshua Marks, Amelie Botbol, JNS

Israeli forces apprehended Hamas terrorists who surrendered in the Shaboura neighborhood of Rafah, according to military footage released Tuesday.

Among those captured were a Hamas platoon commander who participated in the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre and was involved in the holding of Israeli hostages, as well as a sniper unit commander. Several knives were reportedly found in their possession.

The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) obtained significant intelligence during the subsequent interrogations, including the location of a major Hamas terror site in the area.

The arrests came after the IDF completed its encirclement of Rafah several weeks ago. Military operations in the city are ongoing and are expected to expand into additional neighborhoods.

To date, the 188th Brigade’s combat team has eliminated dozens of terrorists and uncovered and destroyed multiple Hamas weapons caches and other infrastructure.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Monday that the IDF operation in Gaza will intensify, and Israeli forces will remain in every area they capture.

“We decided on intensified action in Gaza,” the premier said. “That was the IDF chief of staff’s recommendation—to move, as he said, toward the defeat of Hamas. He believes this will also help us rescue the hostages. I agree with him.

“We are not letting up on this effort and will not give up on anyone,” he continued.

He added that, unlike in past wars, the military would station reserve forces in territories seized during fighting. “There will be movement of the population in order to protect them,” Netanyahu said.

Israel’s Security Cabinet voted unanimously on Sunday night to expand the IDF offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The approved plans include “occupying Gaza and holding on to the territory,” as well as “powerful strikes” on Palestinian terrorists, a source in the Prime Minister’s Office told reporters.

The ministers also approved plans to possibly resume aid to the coastal enclave through an international fund that would seek to prevent the supplies from being looted by Hamas.

Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!

Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!

Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.

Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!

STAND WTH ISRAEL - MAKE A DONATION TODAY!