IDF strikes two individuals suspected of smuggling drone into Israel from Gaza

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) conducted an airstrike on two individuals suspected of retrieving a drone that crossed the border into Israel from the southern Gaza Strip.

According to a statement from the IDF's press service, the military noted that there had been several attempts in recent times to smuggle weapons into Gaza using drones, per Caliber.Az.

"The IDF will not tolerate any form of terrorist activity and will continue to act as necessary to maintain the security of the citizens of the State of Israel," the statement emphasized.

On the morning of October 7, 2023, a terrorist attack began with rocket fire from Gaza targeting central Israel. This was followed by a breach of the Gaza-Israel border by thousands of militants, who infiltrated Israeli territory, killing over a thousand civilians, as well as hundreds of police officers and military personnel. Hundreds of Israelis and foreign nationals were also taken hostage, many of whom remain in Gaza.

As of February 9, 2025, it is reported that Hamas holds 73 hostages in Gaza — 70 captured on October 7, 2023, and 3 from 2014. At least 50 of the abducted are confirmed dead, their bodies being held by Hamas in Gaza, including that of Hadar Goldin, taken in 2014.

Since the attacks, 181 hostages have been freed or found dead: four Israelis were released and one soldier rescued by IDF forces before November 24, 2023; 81 Israelis and 24 foreign nationals were freed as part of a deal with Hamas from November 24 to 30, 2023; 16 hostages died in Hamas captivity, their bodies were recovered by IDF forces; three hostages were accidentally killed by IDF fire; a special operation on February 12, 2024, saved two hostages in Rafah; a raid on June 8, 2024, freed four hostages in Nusairat; another hostage was saved on August 27, and six bodies were recovered on August 31. On December 4, the body of another hostage was returned to Israel. In January, the body of Oron Shaul, killed in Gaza in 2014, was brought back. In January-February 2025, 21 hostages were released as part of a prisoner exchange deal.

The Gaza Ministry of Health (a Hamas-run organization) reports approximately 45,000 deaths since the beginning of the war, with 105,000 injured. According to the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Health, recognized as credible by the UN, over 39% of those killed in Gaza are of military age males, 19% are women, 32% are minors, and more than 8% are elderly people aged 60 and above.

By Tamilla Hasanova