IDF сhief warns of escalated operations against Hamas as tactics shift VIDEO

In a visit to the Rafah area, Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) issued a stark warning to Hamas militants, indicating that Israel would intensify its military operations if progress is not made on the return of hostages.

“We are continuing our operational pressure and tightening our grip around Hamas as necessary. And if we don't see progress in the return of hostages, we will expand to a more intensive and significant operation,” he said, addressing the soldiers, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

The IDF has observed a shift in Hamas' military tactics, noting that the militant group has moved to guerrilla strategies, focusing on conserving strength and avoiding direct confrontation. “Hamas' military wing is conserving its strength and is in no hurry to engage,” army sources revealed. “They switched to guerrilla tactics long ago. Meanwhile, Hamas fighters on the ground are watching us – this is obvious to everyone.”

In the wake of these changes, the IDF is bracing for more targeted attacks, including those like the recent ambush near Beit Hanoun, where Hamas militants fired on an Israeli SUV in the security zone. The IDF believes that Hamas could launch more coordinated ambushes against Israeli forces, potentially using sniper fire and anti-tank weapons.

“There is a concern that militants on the ground may launch pinpoint attacks using combined ambushes,” the IDF sources stated, adding that the military is closely monitoring troop movements and preparing for such threats.

This development comes amid the ongoing conflict that reignited after a brief ceasefire in early 2025. The war, which began in October 2023 when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties, particularly in Gaza. The latest figures from Gaza’s health ministry report more than 51,000 Palestinians killed and approximately 117,000 wounded.

After a ceasefire agreement in January 2025, violence resumed in mid-March when Hamas rejected an international mediation effort led by US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff. The Israeli government has reiterated its position that the renewed military campaign is focused on freeing the remaining hostages taken during the October 7 attack.

Hamas, for its part, has placed blame on Israel and the United States for the breakdown of the peace talks and the continuation of the fighting. The ongoing escalation of the conflict has led to severe humanitarian consequences in Gaza and has drawn widespread international concern.

By Tamilla Hasanova