IDF’s secret strike stuns Hamas: Inside the overnight assault on Gaza

In a meticulously planned operation, the Israeli Air Force unleashed a barrage on Gaza overnight, catching Hamas off guard after months of covert intelligence work and seamless coordination across Israel’s security apparatus. Aimed at crippling the terror group’s infrastructure, the assault—backed by unequivocal U.S. support—marks a bold escalation, with Israel poised for anything from ground maneuvers to renewed hostage talks.

The strike’s secrecy was airtight, classified “top secret” to the point that even Gaza Division and Southern Command officers were blindsided. Months of intelligence from the Shin Bet and Aman, paired with tight collaboration between the Air Force, Operations Directorate, and air defenses, paved the way. The result: a dawn of devastation in Khan Younis, where Hamas leadership is still reeling, struggling to gauge the attack’s full scope.

“This wasn’t improvisation,” a source close to the operation said. The IDF’s goal—disrupting Hamas’s ability to strike Israeli civilians—hinged on surprise, a gamble that paid off as social media speculated about Iran while jets zeroed in on Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz greenlit further steps, with decisions pending hourly assessments. Ground troop reinforcements, heightened border protocols, and restricted gatherings signal readiness for any Hamas response.

The operation’s roots lie in Hamas’s dual game: feigning hostage talks while arming for attacks. Sources say Israel, in sync with Washington, signaled willingness to negotiate despite this—yet only if Hamas clarifies its stance. “Until we know where external and internal leadership stand, there’s no normalcy,” one insider noted. The U.S. nod, underscored by simultaneous strikes in Yemen, bolsters Israel’s hand as it eyes a multi-phase campaign.

A ground incursion isn’t off the table. “If Hamas opts for war, we’ll maneuver again—differently, with new intensity,” a source briefed on contingency plans said, hinting at American backing for a reimagined approach. The IDF’s helicopter fleets and fire centers stand primed, a quiet testament to months of groundwork now bearing fruit.

The stakes are high—and layered. Beyond Hamas, Israel’s security brass is watching for ripple effects, from Hezbollah’s woes on the Syrian border to potential flare-ups elsewhere. Katz’s next moves, approved amid this fluidity, could redefine the conflict’s trajectory.

Walla contributed to this article.