The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) special forces unit has reportedly entered the center of Khan Younis in Gaza, home to top Hamas military leaders Mohammed Deif and Yahya Sinwar. Acting on Military Intelligence inputs suggesting that hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7 were held in a Hamas compound, the elite 98 division of the Special Forces Unit raided the location.
The operation resulted in an exchange of fire, leading to the death of several Hamas operatives and injuries among IDF soldiers. While the compound was cleared of Hamas members, no hostages were found. Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had publicly declared the IDF’s intent to locate and apprehend Yahya Sinwar, whom Israel believes masterminded the October 7 attack on the country.