Ground incursion of Gaza City gives IDF real-time intelligence on hostages

Many hostages are thought to be held in compartmentalized cells deep within these tunnels, which are often booby-trapped or rigged with explosives to deter rescue attempts.

By Hezy Laing

IDF forces have made significant breakthroughs in the search for Israeli hostages during their ongoing ground incursion into Gaza City.

As elite units push deeper into Hamas strongholds, they are uncovering a wealth of real-time intelligence that is reshaping the hostage recovery effort.

Since the start of the offensive in mid-September 2025, IDF troops have seized dozens of electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, and surveillance equipment.

These have yielded GPS data, communications logs, and video footage that analysts are using to triangulate the locations of hostages believed to be held by Hamas and other militant factions.

Captured terrorists have provided actionable intelligence under interrogation, revealing details about hostage transfers between groups and the use of tunnel networks to conceal captives.

Drone and satellite imagery, combined with ground reconnaissance, has allowed the IDF to map extensive underground systems beneath Gaza City.

Many hostages are thought to be held in compartmentalized cells deep within these tunnels, which are often booby-trapped or rigged with explosives to deter rescue attempts.

Intelligence suggests that children and elderly hostages are being used as human shields near command centers, complicating extraction efforts.

In response, the IDF has deployed its most specialized units, including Yamam and Shayetet 13, to conduct precision operations aimed at rescuing hostages without triggering mass casualties.

Real-time data has led to last-minute tactical shifts, including the cancellation of airstrikes when hostages are detected nearby.

Psychological warfare teams have begun broadcasting messages into Gaza, urging civilians to anonymously report hostage locations and warning terrorists against using captives as shields.

Military officials describe this intelligence windfall as a turning point.

As IDF infiltration grows and Hamas’ power deteriorates, the possibility that groups of fighters will break off and make deals for individual hostages grows.