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Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-828489
The IDF's Deception Strategy Against Hamas in Jabalya
(Walla-Jerusalem Post) Amir Bohbot - Israeli intelligence reported that Hamas was maintaining 2,000 fighters in Jabalya, including a governing center controlling all of northern Gaza, who had surrounded themselves with civilians who served as human shields. Using the element of surprise, IDF forces moved quickly to encircle Jabalya and cut it off from Gaza City. Hamas operatives threatened Gazan civilians with violence and confiscated humanitarian aid to prevent anyone from leaving Jabalya. They also killed civilians to deter others from leaving. As time passed, 55,000 civilians left Jabalya in several stages. Since the recent fighting began, about 900 terrorists have been captured. "Some of the terrorists raised their hands and surrendered, and some tried to pass through channels that the IDF created in the area to direct the population [to move south] while disguising themselves as innocent civilians," a military source said. "Jabalya was built by Hamas as a center of gravity in northern Gaza, and everyone understood that the moment it falls, all northern Gaza would fall into IDF hands," said a senior officer in Southern Command.