During the operation in Jabalia, an anti-aircraft missile was discovered in a clinic. The IDF Spokesperson reported that the missile was found during operations by Division 162 in the northern Gaza Strip, involving the 401st Brigade, Givati, and Kfir forces in the Jabalia and Beit Lahia areas. Givati reconnaissance unit soldiers found two ready-to-use anti-aircraft missiles hidden by militants in a clinic near the humanitarian route.
A company commander in the Givati Reconnaissance Unit, Captain Afik, displays an anti-aircraft missile found in the clinic.
Significance for the Air Force: Expanded Operational Freedom for Helicopters
The Hamas terrorist organization aims to down Israeli aircraft, particularly helicopters, an event that would be perceived as a significant achievement against the Israeli Air Force. This is because Israeli fighter jets fly at high altitudes and speeds, making them easily evade Hamas’ anti-aircraft systems. Additionally, UAVs operating in southern Israel are beyond the reach of Hamas’ anti-aircraft systems, which mainly consist of shoulder-launched missiles equipped with proximity fuses that detonate when approaching an aircraft.
The seizure of these missiles allows Israeli Air Force helicopters to enjoy even greater operational freedom in these areas. It also underscores the fact that Hamas does not hesitate to disguise its operations and embed itself within the civilian population.
Clearing Explosives to Protect IDF Forces
In operations by the 401st Brigade combat team, militants were eliminated in face-to-face encounters and with the precise targeting of aircraft. The forces are operating in densely built and complex areas to destroy terror infrastructure and explosive devices.
Militants Eliminated: Including the Rocket Commander in the Area and a Perpetrator of the October 7 Massacre
Earlier today, the IDF Spokesperson announced that aircraft conducted strikes over the weekend, in coordination with the 215th Fire Brigade, Military Intelligence, and the Shin Bet, killing Ahmad Abd Halim Abu Hussein, the commander responsible for indirect rocket and mortar fire in Hamas’ Jabalia East Battalion.
It was further reported that “this terrorist was responsible for numerous rocket and mortar attack trajectories targeting Israeli civilian areas and IDF forces operating in the Gaza Strip.”
In addition to eliminating the commander responsible for indirect fire, the IDF announced the elimination of a terrorist involved in the October 7 massacre. “In this strike, several other Hamas terrorists were killed, including Muhammad Abd al-Rahman Mahmoud Zakat, who infiltrated Israeli territory and participated in the brutal massacre on October 7,” the military stated.
