'Just like before Oct. 7th:' IDF observers warn of increased Hamas activity near Gaza's Yellow Line

IDF field observers deployed in two separate sectors of the Gaza Strip are warning of increased Hamas activity near the Yellow Line, according to testimonies obtained by Israeli media channel N12.

The soldiers say Hamas operatives have been repeatedly approaching sensitive areas, monitoring Israeli positions and testing how close they can get without triggering an Israeli response.

According to the observers, the movements should not be dismissed as routine activity. They believe Hamas is deliberately probing the new rules governing Israeli forces in the area and attempting to identify weaknesses or delays in the military’s response. The soldiers warn that any hesitation could allow the group to gradually prepare for more serious attacks.

The observers also raised concerns about the time it can take to authorize a response when a potential threat is identified near the Yellow Line. They said that in some cases, firing authorization must pass through several levels of command, potentially allowing Hamas operatives to move closer to Israeli positions before action can be taken.

The warnings have drawn comparisons to the months preceding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, when IDF observers reported unusual training exercises, increased activity near the border and other signs of preparations. Fifteen observers were killed in the attack on the Nahal Oz base, while seven others were abducted.

The soldiers interviewed by N12 stressed that the situation today is different, but said the lesson remains the same: unusual activity must be taken seriously. They fear Hamas is using the restrictions currently placed on Israeli forces to test the limits of the new security arrangements and identify potential vulnerabilities.