Paratroopers Press Hamas in Gaza as It Tries to Rebuild

Israeli paratroopers are continuing daily operations in the Gaza Strip to kill Hamas militants and destroy terrorist infrastructure, as the army says the group is trying to rebuild its strength ahead of the next clash. The report, published June 23, 2026 at 06:50, follows fighters from the Paratroopers Brigade in Jabalia in northern Gaza.

Captain A. of Battalion 101 said the fighting is constant and dangerous. “This is war in every sense,” he said, adding that militants are trying to plant explosive devices and often hide without Hamas symbols. Lieutenant O. said Hamas fighters “know how to hide very well,” blend into the area and try mainly “to tail us” and set the next bomb.

Battalion commander Lt. Col. R. said Israeli troops are drilling and searching systematically across sectors to stop Hamas from rebuilding attack tunnels. He said the army is still locating tunnels and is working “at a high pace and systematically” to take away Hamas assets. He also said Hamas repeatedly tries to act against IDF forces, but is “not even capable of thinking about crossing our defense lines and going to the communities.”

The report says that since the cease-fire took effect, the IDF has been operating along the yellow line in the eastern Gaza Strip, from Beit Hanoun in the north to Rafah in the south, while Hamas still controls nearby areas. In Jabalia, much of the area is destroyed, but hospitals, including the Indonesian Hospital, remain standing. The soldiers say they go out in the dark, return in the dark, and constantly watch for anyone who could observe or film them. Captain A. said Hamas is still an ideology that recruits younger fighters, with the older cadres from October 7 no longer present. The troops said they are waiting for approval to continue the mission and “settle accounts” with more militants.