By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Commends Yahalom Unit’s Success
In a morale-boosting address to soldiers from the Combat Engineering Corps’ Yahalom unit, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hailed the recent achievements of Operation Iron Swords, praising the unit’s pivotal role in the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The operation, aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure in Gaza, has seen significant success with over 100 terrorists captured in recent days.
Gallant acknowledged the heavy toll the operation had taken, especially referencing the tragic loss of 21 IDF soldiers, including several from the Yahalom unit, in a single operation. Despite the sacrifices, he emphasized the tangible results, asserting that Hamas was “collapsing into its own tunnels that it dug with great effort.”
Addressing the soldiers, Gallant emphasized the strategic turning point where the IDF had effectively turned the tables on Hamas, using the very tunnels intended for attacks against the terrorist organization. He highlighted that areas considered traps for IDF soldiers became battlegrounds where Hamas was defeated.
The Defense Minister reported that, as a result of the Yahalom unit’s efforts, many Hamas terrorists had been killed or captured. “They have hundreds killed in attacks underground as a result of your work and that of your friends,” Gallant informed the soldiers. In the last day and a half alone, over 100 terrorists were captured in Khan Younis and other locations.
“We won’t succeed in striking everyone, but we will reach a situation where we will break this organization, it will not control Gaza, and it will not have military power,” Gallant declared.
Footage released by the IDF from the Paratroopers Brigade showcased operations in Khan Younis, where dozens of Hamas terrorists were killed. The soldiers discovered a cache of weapons, including AK-47 rifles, grenades, mortar shells, ammunition, and explosives intended for drone use.
In one incident, the soldiers engaged three terrorists shooting from a building, resulting in the death of two immediately. Using a drone to locate the third terrorist, the soldiers eliminated him after entering the building.
Earlier on Thursday, the IDF revealed that Hamas terrorists had been operating in and around Nasser Hospital and Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis. Although no evacuation order was issued, the IDF is cooperating with hospital staff, providing information in Arabic for those wanting to leave. The IDF’s presence and actions underscore the ongoing commitment to dismantle Hamas and restore stability to the region.