The IDF has identified a concerning change in Hamas activity in the Gaza Strip.
Security officials have confirmed that the terrorist organization is removing weapons from its storage facilities and working to reestablish its military control over Gaza, in violation of commitments made it made in the ceasefire agreement.
According to an Channel 12 News report, Hamas terrorists have recently been arriving at weapons storage facilities, removing weapons and using them for guarding, security, and tightening the terror organization's control over areas of Gaza under its authority.
The facilities contain small arms, combat equipment, and rockets.
In response to these developments, the IDF, guided by the Shin Bet, struck three weapons storage facilities on Tuesday containing dozens of weapons. A launch pit previously used to fire rockets toward Israel was also destroyed.
Over the past week, the Southern Command has carried out 16 targeted strikes against Hamas infrastructure and its command structure. Fourteen terrorists were eliminated in the strikes, including five company commanders and four platoon commanders.
The defense establishment has also identified an increase in Hamas' motivation to confront IDF troops. Signs of this include the launching of weaponized kites, gunfire toward IDF troops along the "Yellow Line," and the detonation of explosive devices against IDF engineering vehicles.