IDF Reveals Hamas Plan for Explosions Near Gaza Displacement Camps

The Israeli military on Monday revealed an internal Hamas document detailing plans for explosions near Palestinian displacement camps in the Gaza Strip. According to the IDF, the document, drafted in April 2024 by the Islamist movement's engineering department, outlines the placement of explosive devices around camps housing civilians who fled combat. The objective was reportedly to detonate these charges as Israeli forces approached, aiming to sow panic among the displaced population and facilitate the escape of Hamas operatives. The IDF stated the plan also included placing explosives along routes used by Gaza residents to impede the advance of Israeli troops. Another tactic mentioned involved throwing stun grenades into displacement camps to frighten civilians and increase chaos, providing an additional escape opportunity for Hamas fighters. The IDF interprets these proposals as evidence that Hamas was willing to deliberately endanger Palestinian civilians to protect its leadership and members during Israeli military operations, exploiting the presence of civilian populations for operational purposes despite the risks to refugees. The military did not specify whether the plan was approved by Hamas leadership or if the proposed operations were carried out. The IDF's claims regarding the document's origin and content have not been independently verified.