Israeli Observers Warn of Hamas Activity at Gaza Border Like Pre-October 7 Attack

Female Israeli observers serving in two sectors near the Gaza border report daily sightings of Hamas suspects approaching the "yellow line," a buffer zone near the border fence. They warn that these individuals pose a threat, but Israeli forces often face difficulties obtaining authorization to neutralize them. The observers told Channel 12 News that Hamas is repeatedly testing how the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) respond to their activities, creating a situation reminiscent of the days before the October 7 attack.

One observer described the current atmosphere as similar to October 6, noting the difference that now the suspects are detected at the yellow line rather than at the fence itself. She explained that Hamas operatives continuously probe whether the IDF will react to their movements, emphasizing the danger of this ongoing testing. The observers highlighted the bureaucratic challenges in securing firing permissions, which sometimes require approval from senior commanders, causing delays. Permissions granted at the battalion commander level tend to be faster, but higher-level approvals are slower and more difficult to obtain.

A recent incident near the fence involved one observer spotting a suspect carrying a weapon and engaging in suspicious ground activity that suggested the possible placement of an explosive device. Despite reporting the threat, the observer said authorization to act was not granted, with the decision stuck at higher command levels. The observers expressed frustration, feeling constrained by orders aimed at maintaining calm, even as they witness threats in real time without being able to fully respond.

One observer acknowledged the personal and disciplinary risks of speaking out but chose to do so, stating, "If they tell me I will go to jail for what I say, I say it’s worth it." In response, the Prime Minister's Office stated that the political echelon does not restrict the IDF from neutralizing threats to soldiers and civilians. It added that the Chief of Staff has recently reinforced the rules of engagement, emphasizing that every soldier in the field is responsible for removing threats and is expected to act decisively to do so.