IDF Eliminates Terror Operatives in Gaza, Contingency Plans Emerge Amid Ceasefire Impasse
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified operations in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of at least five terror operatives this week, while simultaneously, contingency plans are being developed by both the IDF and White House officials in anticipation of potential setbacks in ongoing peace negotiations.
The IDF stated on Wednesday that four terror operatives were killed on the Israel-controlled side of the Yellow Line in the southern Gaza Strip, including several gunmen detected near troops. In one instance, soldiers operating in the Rafah area, engaged and killed four operatives spotted near their position while demolishing Hamas tunnels. “Immediately upon detection, the troops on the ground opened fire at the terrorists,” the military reported, confirming no soldiers were injured during the encounter.
Later reports indicated that an airstrike, directed by the troops shortly after the initial engagement, confirmed the deaths of three of the four operatives. The condition of the fourth gunman remains unknown. Intelligence estimates suggest that between 100 and 200 Hamas terrorists are currently sheltering in tunnels located in southern Gaza, on the Israeli side of the Yellow Line. The United States has reportedly urged Israel to allow these militants safe passage back into Hamas-controlled areas of Gaza, a request Israel has, as of now, declined.
In a separate incident, the IDF reported killing another terror operative who crossed the Yellow Line and approached troops in the Khan Younis area. According to the military, the operative “posed an immediate threat,” prompting troops to “remove the threat” with targeted fire. The IDF affirmed its continued deployment in Gaza, operating “in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat.”
Since the ceasefire took effect last month, at least 245 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians. During the same period, three Israeli soldiers have lost their lives in Gaza.
Amidst the fragile ceasefire, White House Middle East adviser Jared Kushner and the IDF are collaborating on contingency plans for Gaza, should US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan falter, according to a report by Israel Hayom. Kushner reportedly informed an Israeli source this week that he is developing a “plan B,” acknowledging the significant challenges of disarming Hamas and securing international military support to confront the group.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir revealed at a recent security cabinet meeting that the military is also preparing an alternative plan to Trump’s proposal, which he intends to present to ministers soon. The Trump plan was slated to enter a second phase following the release of hostages last month, but progress is stalled due to the unresolved fate of the 100-200 Hamas gunmen trapped in Israeli-controlled Rafah, as well as the continued detention of bodies of slain Israeli hostages by the terror group.
Kushner met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday in an attempt to resolve these issues, but, according to an Israeli official, “there is no agreed-upon solution regarding the terrorists in Rafah.” Various proposals have been discussed, including potential exile to a third country or allowing the gunmen to return to the Hamas-controlled western Gaza Strip, contingent upon surrendering their weapons and renouncing terrorism. However, the Kan public broadcaster reported that Israel rejected a proposal from Kushner to allow the Hamas members to pass unarmed to the western side of Gaza, with Kushner emphasizing the importance of resolving this issue to Trump and warning that Washington would not accept a scenario where Israel kills the Hamas combatants.
Netanyahu’s office has consistently maintained its opposition to granting safe passage to the Hamas fighters. US officials have cautioned Israel that this standoff should not overshadow the broader challenge of addressing the estimated 20,000 armed operatives still active in Hamas-controlled territories.
